Tapeworms. What freaking nightmare. They’re tiny little worms that sit in small intestines and eat all the food before their hosts can draw nourishment. It’d be bad enough if they were only infecting your pets, but these dirty little parasites can make their homesteads in your bowels as well. It’s like something out of a horror movie. The marquis would read: “The Worms Within...” Underneath the title there would be a pale, sickly, multi-fanged abomination of nature exploding out of a cute co-ed’s stomach. Shudder in fear, good people. Shudder in fear. These disgusting parasites are a commonly creepy problem for pets. Fortunately, the worms are more of an annoyance than a legitimate threat. Treatment is relatively painless, and it can be quite reasonable if you head to the right retailer. The problem with the worms is how easy they are to contract. The trouble with tapeworms is all about ingestion. Flea larvae start out eating fecal matter that contains tapeworm eggs. The eggs mature in flea stomachs, the flea is ingested by a dog or cat and presto chango: your dog is scarping his butt across the carpet in supreme irritation. Tapeworm Symptoms You might notice that your pet is tapeworm ridden by some of the following signs: The aforementioned anal itching. Dried worm parts crusting around your pet’s sphincter. Moving worms in your dog/cat’s fecal matter. You could also check out a smear of poo under a microscope, but that seems a bit drastic for the average pet owner. Just look for the other signs and head to the computer to point and click your way to parasite destruction. Now how do you treat or prevent tapeworms? Glad you asked. There are many treatment options for tapeworms, and nearly all of them are instantaneous. That means a case of tapeworms isn’t much more than a disgusting inconvenience. Drontal dewormer works quickly, effectively, and definitively. Britain’s #1 dewormer has an awesome track record in taking out intestinal worms of all kinds, and tapeworms are no exception. One dose of Drontal will take out your pet’s parasitic problem in a day flat. Tapeworm Treatment Other quality dewormers include: Frontline Advantage Multi Advocate Milbemax If you’re thinking more about tapeworms prevention than treatment, you’ll want to stop them at the source. As you’ve already learned, tapeworms are spread through ingestion. If your dog or cat doesn’t have a flea to eat, then there’s very little chance that they can become infected. Make sure to keep them away from feces too. Cats shouldn’t have a problem in this area, but if you have a dog with a penchant for munching on waste… Well, keep a close eye out and nip that behavior in the bud. Remember to keep treating them with monthly worm and flea preventatives as well. The less invaders they have to deal with the better. After all, if they don’t get bit, then they won’t bite and scratch themselves, virtually eliminating the possibility of eating a parasite within a parasite. Avoiding Insect Inseption.

Having an aggressive kitty on your hands can be more than a handful. Cats are usually demure, aloof, and playful little critters, but a few hazardous pitfalls can really ruin their disposition. The fastidious feline nature of your average kitty cat gives them a fragile temperament that can become easily unbalanced. However, with the right motivation and correct information even the meanest of these half feral bad cats can be turned around with relative ease. The goal of this article is to educate you about the potential causes and easy methods to avert an overly aggressive cat. An angry cat is always the direct result of some untoward stimulus in its environment. Being such sensitive animals their triggers are numerous. Anything from a messy home, loneliness, or even something as simple as an active play session can be factors. The key to figuring out your bad cat’s behavioral puzzle is paying attention to their actions, noting changes in their behavior, and always seeking proper authoritative answers when the trouble becomes serious. The first stop after determining your cat to be overly aggressive is the Vet’s office. Discussing an aggressive cat with your vet can be informative at the least and powerfully productive in most other scenarios. If your bad cat is hurting or not feeling well, then that’s an obvious answer to their being moody. Keep good notes of any changes in your cat’s daily routines or any abnormal activities going on around it so that you’ll have no lack of information to share with your veterinarian. If there is an ailment related cause to your angry cat, then the vet will be the best, first, and only source you’ll need to consult. Another common cause of angst amongst kitties is an abundance of testosterone. If you’ve got a Tom with an attitude, you should consider getting him fixed. Male cats are inherently more aggressive than females. They have all that tiger blood coursing through their veins making them territorial and unpredictable. Not unlike Charlie Sheen before an interview on 60 Minutes. However, having an angry cat is not a “winning” situation. Or perhaps your place is a little overcrowded for your cuddly critter. If there is a lack of cat assets then you may have a berserker miniature lion mauling the toes of houseguests at every turn. Make sure that your cat has enough clean litter, food & water/food & water bowls, playthings, sitting spots, etc. Cats are used to being worshiped and pampered. Allow them to live luxuriously. If all else fails, seek professional help. A bad cat is a big problem. Sometimes people forget that cats, despite being super cute and ultra-adorable, can be dangerous adversaries. Their claws are razor sharp and they are quick, vicious, and hard to catch besides. Look around your area for an animal behaviorist or some such other pet expert. That’s all the cat tips you get for now. Until next time be benevolent owners and vigilant parents to your favorite furry felines! <--I prefer this kind of cat aggression.

Ah, the smug and snuggly kitty cat. It sprawls out comfortably on your keyboard to quietly survey its domain. Its eyes lazily gaze over to your new sofa. Claws go out and retract in sudden anticipation. A moment later mittens has carved a brand new pattern into the rich Italian leather. Meanwhile, you’re grinding away at work, blissfully ignorant of the damage you will find upon returning to the homestead.   Worry not! The cat scratch fever doesn’t have to infect your life. Keeping cat scratches in a contained and manageable area doesn’t need to be a source of constant worry. It’s as easy as ABC. You know, that is if ABC spelled constant supervision and a thorough plan of attack. Why Do Cats Scratch? Cat scratching is mostly about marking territory. They love to rip up hard, highly visible surfaces. It’s a way for them to decorate their living space, while simultaneously leaving their scent, (through glands located in their paws). Moreover, they think it is perfectly acceptable and normal behavior. Even if you berate them verbally or spray them with water bottles, they will only know that sometimes their scratching will draw punishment, without making the connection that it’s bad manners. Cat Scratch the Itch Instead of trying to stop the cat scratching, a tactic that is sure to fail, you have to redirect the scratching to an area of your choice. In other words, you need to give your cat a more tempting target. That’s why scratching posts are effective, and in some cases: high dollar items. The ideal scratching post is taller than your cat—at least 28 inches, a rough and tough surface that they can really sink their claws into, and placed right in the middle of everything. A high visibility area is important because your cat wants everyone to know what a good little scratcher he or she is. Some preferable materials for scratching posts are as follows: Wood. A tree stump to be more precise. Evolutionarily speaking, it’s what they’re used to. It’s a tough surface they can tear up with pleasure, and it gives a homespun log cabin-esque aesthetic to your humble abode. Sisal. Sisal rope or material, are both excellent choices for cat scratching posts, and have long been considered the industry standards. Carpet. These posts are a highly diverse option, with numerous patterns and materials to match your personal décor. Cardboard. Most Cardboard cat scratching posts are refillable, making them more practical than the carpet ones that have to be replaced entirely after heavy use. Further Countering Cat Claws Beyond the material, you might also try putting cat nip on the posts to attract the cat. Also remember that all cats aren’t created equal. Some might prefer a certain material over another. You may have to try a few different options before settling on the best fit for your feline. Now that you’ve armed yourself with knowledge, get to work and keep your couch cat scratch free from now on!

Fleas are a pestilence to mankind. Their blood feud has been going on for centuries. A certain variety of flea was actually responsible for the widespread death and devastation wrought throughout the Black Death’s reign of terror in the 1300s. These days, most people don’t worry too much about catching the plague, but fleas are still carriers of this and other terrible and debilitating flea diseases. For the sake of public health and safety, this public service announcement is here to inform you of the dangers that can result from unrestricted flea bites and flea disease. Cat Scratch Fever Despite the incredible guitar talents of Ted Nugent, this particular flea disease is no picnic. Better known in the medical community by the name of Bartonella henselae, (not quite as catchy as the common vernacular) Cat Scratch Fever is transmitted via flea bite, and it preys on weak immune system and can result in serious complications for the victims. It has little to no effect on cats that contract the infection, but it plays havoc with humans. Symptoms include but are not limited to: fatigue, headache, fever, swelling of the lymph nodes, weight loss, sore throat, and a lack of appetite. Someone with the infection should also see a blister or bump form at the site of the infection, which is usually caused by a scratch or bite from a cat, hence the well thought out name.   The Bubonic Plague   Believe it or not, people actually still catch this medieval epidemic, and it’s no ring around the rosy. Guess how it’s contracted. Pat yourself on the back if you answered flea bites. If you paid any attention in high school history, you probably remember the symptoms of the Black Death: gangrene, malaise, fever, grotesquely smooth bumps and boils, and oh yeah—Death. Luckily, medical science has come a ways since the dark ages, and there are antibiotic treatments that keep this flea disease in check. Flea Borne Typhus You know that any disease that sounds like a Greek god can’t be too much fun. Flea borne Typhus is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi  is transmitted when a flea bites a rat then cats or possums and then on to human beings. It’s a nasty infection with some harsh symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes (a common trend, if you haven’t noticed,) severe headaches, stupor, chills, high fever, a skin rash, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches. Antibiotic treatment is a must if you contract this flea disease. If left untreated, the infection can prove fatal. There are plenty of other pathogens that a flea can transmit with a single chomp, but these are the culprits to look out for.   While there are treatment options for most any flea disease, the real solution will always be preventative treatment. It’s far better to pay up front and not have to worry about the Black Death. So thank your lucky stars that such treatment is both affordable and conveniently available at your online pet supermarket

What is a flea? The answer is manifold. As you probably already know, there are plenty of different kinds of fleas. Many are named for the hosts that they prey upon: Rabbit, Dog,  and Deer Fleas, etc. However, as we’ve already learned, knowledge of your enemies is of paramount importance in the ongoing struggle against parasites. So it’s time to get down to specifics. If there is one sort that gives people and pets more trouble than any other, it is undoubtedly the Cat Flea. If you’ve ever had to deal with a pet parasite infestation, you’ve more than likely come up against this tiny terror. So what do fleas do? More than you might expect. The Cat flea is one of the most numerous creatures on the planet, thriving in any area inhabited by animals. Unlike many of their parasitic brethren with a predilection toward a single type of prey, these bloodsuckers have an undiscerning appetite for mammalian hemoglobin. They will feast on dogs, cats, birds, and even humans. Though humans can be infected, it’s difficult for a large colony to establish for any extended period of time.  Most human beings are quick to eliminate any pesky itching, but if a flea can feed on a human for 12 hours they will begin to lay eggs. While they are predominantly found on cats, there are actually more cat fleas infesting dog skins than any other variety, including the dog flea. In interesting name choice there. The scientists in charge of classification must have gotten lazy that day. Cat Flea Characteristics   Aside from being less finicky than the other types, the cat flea doesn’t really stand out. Their recognizable attributes only become visible when viewed under a microscope, which can be problematic considering how difficult they are to catch.  They share most of the major features with the others, like piercing/sucking mouth parts, three sets of legs, large and powerful hind legs well-suited to jumping, tiny spines on their legs used to grip the host’s hair, and a triple sectioned body. Their habits are very similar to the other varieties as well. They prefer warmer climates anywhere between 55 and 90° F. Cat fleas are most active before laying eggs and after emerging from their pupa stage. The major differences are in the whisker-like spines on and around their heads as well as a vertical compression, (in addition to the universally present lateral compression that allows all fleas to slip as they please through feathers and fur with equivalent ease). On an unrelated note, that last rhyme was entirely coincidental and unplanned, though whimsically pleasing to the ear. A certain amount of whimsy is a much-needed element when discussing a subject as disturbing as bloodsucking parasites, so it seems like a good spot to end the discussion. Remember that while fleas can differ greatly between species, treatment is nearly always the same. Prevention is the best policy and nothing beats high quality pet medications. Grab yours today!

Well, you know… we all want to change the world—to a simpler and safer place for pets that is! There is a veritable smorgasbord of preventatives on the pet medication buffet, but how do you tell which is the correct choice for your pet? Well, in the interest of pet revelations and the commonwealth of cats and dogs everywhere, here is a brief account of the advantages of two popular items on most every pet owner’s radar. Revolution and Frontline Plus. Both Revolution and Frontline Plus will treat the basic parasites: fleas and ticks. However, they differ in their methods and applicability. Both are spot-on medications applied to the back of your pet’s neck. This saves you the trouble of covering a tablet in peanut-butter and deceiving your trusting companions. These medications deserve their due diligence as fine and effective products. On the Frontlines Though Revolution and Frontline Plus both share a degree of notoriety, Frontline plus is probably the better known of the two. Though it suffers some criticism at the hands of sporadic posters on many pet forums, it maintains a merited respectable reputation. It is a multi-action parasite medication that attacks every stage of the flea life cycle, neutralizing flea eggs, inhibiting larval growth and killing adult fleas. While offering comprehensive protection against fleas, Frontline Plus also tackles those troublesome ticks and lice.   Revolution Revelations Revolution is also a multi-action parasite medication. Revolution will defend your dog or cat from fleas and ticks just like Frontline Plus. The flea protection offered by both products is identical as Revolution is no respecter of age when it comes to eliminating fleas, though it treats a much more limited variety of ticks as compared to Frontline Plus. Whereas Frontline protects against American Dog Ticks, Brown Ticks, Lone Star Ticks, and Deer Ticks too; Revolution only offers defense against the most prevalent of those listed above: The American Dog Tick. The main advantage of Revolution is that it also treats deadly heartworms, invasive Ear Mites, and even intestinal parasites in cats. Frontline Or Revolution? Heartworm prevention is pretty important to a pet owner, and not having to administer two separate medications for these parasites is a pretty big advantage for Revolution. However, if you live in an area proliferated by more than the run-of-the-mill tick population it might behoove you to stock up on Frontline Plus instead. Revolution and Frontline plus are both effective in the most common uses of pet medications, and each has its own standout characteristics making it more or less attractive according to consumer preferences. Whichever you choose you’re likely to be a powerfully satisfied return customer for years to come. The main thing to remember is that none of the medications you research are really “better” or “worse” than any other. They simply offer distinctly different advantages and disadvantages. Do your research and carefully consider the possibilities before deciding on the best course of treatment for your fuzziest family members.

It’s easy to forget how many specific types of cat there are. With the rising popularity of dog shows, and better exposure for canines in general, the fact of cat speciation has all but escaped public notice. The truth is that there are over 40 different recognized cat breeds. Each of these has its own traits and temperament. Some are small and furry, others large and hairless. You’ve got friendly attention seekers, and the lovably aloof. Whatever your preference may be there is a cat out there that comes prequalified to fit your specific companionship needs. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular kinds of cats. American Shorthair Ensnarement Arguably the most common of all cats, the terminology is often used to refer to alley cats everywhere. However, the American shorthair is a breed all its own despite being lumped in with the all too frequent mixed breeds. These American shorthairs are cuddly little balls of joy, known for being especially family friendly. This cat breed is a wonderful family pet. It makes a great companion for dogs and children alike. They are very affectionate, healthy, and quite beautiful. These precotious little purr-bags will have you oohing and aahing over every little misadventure they undertake. As an added bonus, these excellent hunters are very likely to keep your house pest free as well.   Much ado about Maine Coons Maine Coons are a large fluffy cat breed. They can usually be anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds, the males usually outweigh their female counterparts. Though as you can tell from the picture, they can grow beyond the standardized weight limit. These cats are enviable hunters, and were actually bred for that purpose in and around the farms of Maine. They have an amiable yet independent nature, making them emotionally available but happy in their solitude as well.  Their namesake stems from their large fluffy tails which spurred rumors that they were half raccoon. Siamese Dreams Certainly one of the most majestic breeds, this kind of cat exudes an element of grace wherever it goes. An especially playful kitty, the Siamese is often considered mischievous because of its high level of intelligence, and restless nature. Expect one of the comely kitties to be consistently underfoot and in need of affection.  Although very attached to their owners, the Siamese is known to be cautious and even downright hostile to strangers. This breed of cat is descended from Siamese royalty, so prepare to give it some regal treatment when you decide to bring one into the family. Purring Persians Finally the most popular cat breed in America: the Persian. These little longhaired lions hold sway as the top cat among pet enthusiasts and common cat owners alike. Persians have consistently been the most popular cat in America as far back as the 1800's when they were first introduced. This cat breed does exceedingly well in an apartment lifestyle due to its calm and unexcited demeanor. They are truly the kings and queens of the castle. They prefer a sedentary and unexciting lifestyle where everything revolves around their own majestic selves. They are viewed as the most loyal and among the friendliest breeds of cat in existence. They require due diligence around children, but are still exceptionally heads and tails above the competition in terms of human compatibility. Whichever type of cat you end up taking home they are sure to fill your life with hours of entertainment and humor.  Just remember to protect it from parasites, and shower it with the kind of attention that fits its particular temperament.

Everyone knows that a dog loves travelling. They like the car rides, they love the destinations, and they enjoy virtually any outdoor activity that you’ll let them be involved with. But what about their feline counterparts? Many people don’t think to bring cats on outdoor adventures, because of the cat’s independent and solitary nature. Although traveling with cats is less common than doggy day-tripping, a tabby loves to get out of the house once in a while as well. Feline Family Outing Destinations So where is a proper pit stop for a pet stop? Cats enjoy a lot of the same places as dogs. A park is just as much fun for kitties. Even a beach visit can go over pretty well, so long as you make sure your travel cat stays well away from the surf. So grab a leash and take a stroll with your feline friend. If you trust him or her not to range too far, go ahead and set them loose. Try to keep them within eye shot, but don’t worry too much. Cats are awesome survivalists, and have excellent senses of direction. They’ve been known to find their way back home over vast distances. Of course, use your best judgment here. If your cat has a history of disappearing for days at a time, this might not be the best idea for you. Your travel cat will appreciate a trip to any outdoor area filled with birds, squirrels, or mice. But perhaps you are aching to go on vacation, and are loathe to leave your feline behind.  There are a lot of options for kitty’s vacation plans. There are plenty of pet friendly hotels with an assortment of pet related activities available on hotel grounds. Pet Friendly Hotels The Hilton hotel’s Pet Friendly program is particularly notable. This program includes a stain-, water- and microbial-resistant pet bed, food and water bowls with placemat, and a pet amenity kit containing waste clean-up bags and treats inside a pet owner’s room. The famous hotel chain even goes so far as to have pet concierge services to inform guests of local pet boutiques and veterinary offices. The fact that such a major hotel franchise is beginning to offer these pet friendly services just goes to show how popular pet travel is becoming. Cautions Curiosity Can Save a Travel Cat Speaking of the vet, make sure to have your cat’s veterinary and vaccination records handy whenever you travel together. You never know what might happen, and it’s better to have the paperwork handy. Also remember that while travelling your cat might be nervous and won’t eat as much. Try to make travel cat comfy by feeding it as soon as you arrive at your pet friendly hotel, and once again before bed time. Don’t’ worry if they don’t finish the meal, that’s normal. Just continue business as usual. Kitty will follow your lead and adjust accordingly. As always you never know what kind of tiny invasion force is awaiting the travel cat at any given destination. So before you head out be sure to stock up on any pet medications you might need.  

Dogs and cats are humankind’s cutest, friendliest, and most constant companions. They immeasurably enrich the lives of millions of people, keeping their owners healthier, more energetic, and generally in better spirits than the rest of the petless populace.  However, these lovable fur-balls require a great deal of cautious preservation as well. One of the most pervasive agents of canine/feline destruction is the heartworm. This insidious and soul-crushing monster is like something out of H.P. Lovecraft’s imagination: a microscopic cthuluesque nightmare, reaping death and disease from inside of your own sweet puppy or kitty’s arteries.  It really is a horrible thing to consider. Diagnosing Symptoms of Heartworms Further adding fuel to the demonically daunting fire is the near impossible process of diagnosis. Finding out about these bestial little bugs is a difficult task. The symptoms aren’t recognizable until the worms are fully matured and already having a detrimental effect on your cat or dog’s health. In dogs, symptoms of heartworms include a lack of energy/exhaustion, mild or persistent coughs, reduced appetite, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. The same is true for cats but they can also exhibit vomiting, gagging, and rapid breathing. Even if you catch the symptoms of heartworms, treatment for an animal already living with the disease is a grim prospect. For dogs, the doctoring is extensive, and expensive. It’s a long, drawn out, and costly process with no guarantee of success. For cats, treatment is impossible. They will either fight off the infection themselves, or eventually die. Oh God, What do we do?! Now that the pants have been sufficiently scared off of you, it’s time for some good news. These tiny terrors are easy and inexpensive to avoid. A consistent schedule of vet visits will ensure your pet a long and parasite-free life, and if you don’t have the time to deal with a monthly vet visit you can save some money by shopping online. There are several different preventatives, but here are a couple of the cheapest and most effective medications available at your convenient pet supermarket. Heartworms Treatment: Advocate for dogs or cats- Keeping your pet safe from heartworms is a breeze with this effective monthly spot on treatment. Just put a drop on the back of your dog or cat’s neck for 30 days of protection. As a bonus, you’ll also keep your pet free from fleas and worms that attack the digestive system. Revolution for dogs or cats- An all-around dewormer with products for both cats and dogs, Revolution lives up to its namesake by leading a revolt against the parasites trying to invade your pet’s territory. Once you see the symptoms of heartworms it’s already too late, so act now! So then, where to buy Revolution or Advocate products? These fine products and more are waiting to be scooped up at the lowest possible price at your local online pet supermarket. Look into advanced ordering for free shipping.  

Safeguarding your fluffy family member is an important aspect of pet care. Unfortunately, the process can be confusing. How do you know your pet’s needs? What are the most effective Pet Meds available? With so much money spent in the way of advertising, and so little work done in the efforts of honest product review, something as simple as keeping your pet safe and healthy can end up being a chore. Luckily, there are still those who have a vested interest in educating pet owners about quality pet care practices to protect any animal subject to these all too common invaders. PetBucket.com makes it a point to sell the most effective, vet recommended pet meds available, and also to help you decide which of these pet meds is most suited to your needs. So in that spirit, here is a short breakdown of what to look for, what you might find, and what to do if you see it: The Usual Suspects-Ticks, Fleas, and Worms: Every Pet owner knows that they must beware of fleas, ticks, and a variety of menacing worms. The trick is to monitor your pet closely and look out for common warning signs. Make sure to brush your pet often and inspect them closely, in order to root out any fleas or ticks. Cat Scratch Fever! --Itching- This one is a no-brainer. Every dog and cat is bound to be found scratching at one time or another. However, if scratching becomes consistent, you notice your pet whining, or scratching a certain spot until their skin gets raw, then it could be a possible sign of mites or even flea and tick incursions.   Dog Tired! --Lethargy- This one can be a little trickier, especially if you have an older pet, or perhaps just a very lazy one. If you notice a lack of energy in your animal accompanied by coughing, difficult breathing, and weight loss then your pet may have heartworms. Heartworms are life-threatening and should be treated with any number of common pet care medications. One Sick Puppy!--Digestive problems- If you see any sign of changes in your pet’s appetite, diarrhea, or anal irritation this might indicate a case of roundworm. An intestinal bug that can significantly shorten your pet’s lifespan. Pet Care Treatments at Prescription Strength: Pet Care Products For Flea Bites and Sticky Ticks: Advantix- Powerful parasite preventative. Proven effective against flea and tick infestations. Frontline- Probably the most recognizable name in Pet medications, and for good reason. Pet Care Products For Worms in Dogs and Cats: Interceptor-Treats a variety of intestinal worms in both dogs and cats. Heartguard- Effective heartworm preventative, a must buy for every pet owner. So keep a close eye on your pet, and take preventative measures to stop parasites before they start by using any of these powerful pet meds. Order all of your pet care products at a discount at Petbucket.com.