Pet Bucket Blog

Everyone knows it’s a good idea to spay and neuter your pets. Bob Barker, (rest his soul) made sure we knew. However, not everyone knows the many reasons behind this practice. It’s not as cut and dry as simply preventing unwanted, neglected, and abandoned puppies or kittens, although that is certainly the most prescient motive. The fact is that there are a multitude of reasons concerning health, behavior, and genetics that make it very important to keep your pets from copulating. So let’s take a moment to try and understand the causes behind the castrations. Let’s start with diseases. A wide range of dog diseases can be completely neutralized by eliminating the testicles. Everything from skin disorders to small cancerous tumors around the anus can be avoided simply by making a quick snip. This is because elevated testosterone in the blood of dogs can be very toxic to their systems, and produce a boat load of problems. For example: BPH, or benign prostate hyperplasia Prostatitis Prostatic abscess Perianal or perineal adenomas (those aforementioned tiny cancers occurring around the anus of male dogs) Perineal hernias Some forms of dermatoses, or castration-responsive skin disorders And these are just the conditions that can be brought on from testosterone! There’s a whole other list of conditions that can occur just because your dog’s testicles are out and exposed to the elements. Needless to say they’re even less pleasant to think about than the ones listed above. Then there are the behavioral issues that neutering can solve. If your male dog is super aggressive, and still running stock with all the equipment nature gave him, the chances are a quick trip to the vet will make him a lot friendlier to the mail man. Not only that, but it greatly reduces the chances of an embarrassing humping episode from playing out in public. Neutered male dogs are much less likely to mark territory inside the home, they aren’t as prone to roaming about looking for females, and they shouldn’t be as aggressively protective of their resources: toys, food, companions, etc. Finally, neutering is important so as to keep the gene pool free from defects. Dog breeding is a prestigious profession for a reason. It’s hard work that entails a lot of research into family lines, and genetic histories of different dogs. The reason being that they don’t want a pup with a family who has a history of canine leukemia. If your dog even has a recessive trait that could be passed on to his pups, it’s very important that he not be allowed to procreate. It’s up to human beings to keep our best friends a healthy and happy domesticated species. And of course, it would be silly not to at least mention the fact that millions of puppies are annually abandoned, neglected, and/or euthanized for the simple reason that no one has the time or resources to take care of them. So unless you know for a fact that your pup is fine breeding material, do the smart thing and visit your local vet!

Pet allergies are the worst. They can hinder your ability to live with pets, and make you miserable if agitated without treatment. Sniffling, sneezing, and a runny nose are the least of the problem for some. At the very worst stages of allergic reactions, asthma attacks can even prove life threatening. Unfortunately, some pet owners don’t even realize that they’re allergic to their dog or cat until after they’ve brought them into the home! Luckily, there are some preventative measures for highly allergic people to take to avoid family pet deportation. First off, there is some basic information that needs to be addressed; there are no allergy free dogs or cats. All pets have dander, (the skin flakes in an animal’s fur) and all dander has an effect. The determining factors are your own sensitivity to the stuff, and the amount of dander that your pet produces. As a general rule, a cat allergy is more prevalent than a dog allergy. However, the results are highly variable, as some people are allergic to specific breeds, or species to a greater degree than others. Another counter-intuitive pearl of allergenic wisdom is that breeds with softer continuously shedding coats are normally better for people with pet allergies. Which is somewhat odd, considering most people associate shedding with sneezing. So what to do? Begin by making certain of your allergies and go see an allergist to diagnose the cause. After all, it would be bad to blame a poor innocent puppy for something that your moldy polyester blankets in the back of the closet are responsible for. After you’ve made certain the pet is to blame, invest in an air purifier. Ideally you would want a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Purifier. These bad boys will pick all the worst bits of allergens out of the air and leave you breathing easy. If the dander your pet exudes is really out of control, you might need one in every room. Make sure to leave at least one room off limits to your pets, that way you always have a safe haven if the atmosphere becomes too disagreeable. Weekly baths are also a must. Keeping your dog or cat clean will immeasurably reduce the amount of pet pollution they’re producing. And if all else fails, you may consider getting some allergy treatments to help you deal with the dander. There are a wide range of treatment options for all but the most meager of budgets. The most common treatments can include: Antihistamine pills Antihistamine nasal sprays Steroidal treatments Allergy shots-->this one is particularly effective Beyond these treatments, the best method is to employ every method at your disposal. Proper house cleaning, weekly pet baths, air purification, and regularly scheduled appointments at your local allergist’s office are almost certain to clear up any avoidable allergic reactions. So unless you are just having a good time of suffering through the consistent nasal drip, try to make a trip to see a medical professional as soon as possible!

Only those who truly care about their families health, search for posts and articles like this one, which highlight the symptoms and potential side effects of different pet treatments. Which is why I know that you are a kind and compassionate person, who only wants the best for every member of your family.   And knowing that makes me proud to blog about the side effects of Revolution for cats and dogs, because I know that you will use it to compare against other pet parasiticide products, so that you make sure you get your pet's the highest quality of pest deterrent available.   Now, to start us out, I've always felt it's best to get the worst out of the way first. So let's discuss the worst potential side effects of Revolution Pet Treatment (as well as most other treatments available today).   If you notice your dog or cat showing signs of any of these symptoms, call your vet right away:   Muscle Weakness/In-Coordination - In 1% of clinical trials, some pets experienced extreme muscle weakness which lead to difficulty standing or walking. This can happen if your pet gets too large of a dose, or if they have a natural undiagnosed allergy to anything in the treatment. If this happens, your pet will need to see a vet right away. Because of this risk, it is always best to try any new pet treatments in the morning, so that if any adverse reactions appear, you will have plenty of time to get your pet into a vet within the same day.   Rapid Breathing/Panting - Because Revolution enters the blood stream, it can sometimes have a negative effect on your pets heart. In a small minority of pets, this can cause hypertension, which can lead to stroke or heart attach. If you notice these your pet is panting excessively or breathing very rapidly, take them into the near vet as soon as possible.   Muscle Tremors - If you notice that your pet is shaking uncontrollably or experiencing heavy muscle tremors, call your vet and schedule an appointment for as soon as possible.   Skin Burning - Out of 1743 animals tested, less than 2% had an adverse reaction that caused their skin to burn after application of any chemical pet treatments. If you notice that your pets skin appears is covered in a rash, peeling or your pet seems to be in great discomfort around the application site, you will want to take them into a vet right away.     Most of these reactions rarely occur in 5 out of 100 animals, meaning that it is not likely that your pet will have a serious reaction. Though being armed with this knowledge, helps you care for them if they do happen to be a part of the 5%.   And now that we've gotten through the tougher parts of this discussion, let's cover the more common side effects and some ways that you can help your pet cope with them, while the treatment relieves them of pests.   Temporary Hair Loss - More often then not, this happens with animals who already have sensitive skin, and with most of those cases, the sensitive pet is even more in need of pest treatment than pets who are not so sensitive. Though because the pet has sensitive skin, they will sometimes lose some of the fur around the site where you put the treatment. So long as they do not appear to have been burned, they should regrow the hair within a week or two at most.   Digestive Upset - Diarrhea, vomiting and stomach upset are the most common digestive side effects. They can cause your dog or cat to not want to eat or play for a little while until their body has processed the parasiticide. You can help them through these side effects by making sure they drink plenty of fresh distilled water, which will help keep them hydrated and help them process the treatments more easily.   Hyperactivity - When Revolution enters your pets bloodstream through their skin, it can sometimes cause them to have an elevated heart beat, as their body deals with the treatments reactions. This will make them anxious, as they will not be sure about what is happening to them, and that is usually what causes the hyper activity. You can help keep them calm by giving them their treatment in a dark and quiet room, and then staying with them for at least 30-45 minutes after the treatment.   Drowsiness - On the other side of the coin, some dogs and cats have seen the alter-reaction to hyperactivity, which is Drowsiness or Lethargy. As their body gives into the process of the pest treatments, they might need to sleep while the battle between bugs and love, wages on. If your animal finds themselves with this reaction, the best thing you can do is to help them get comfortable, and then check on them from time to time, to make sure they are still able to get up, walk around a bit and drink some water.   Drooling - It is recommended that every pet who gets a dose of Revolution, gets it right between their shoulder blades, to prevent them from ingesting the medication. That being said, we all know that our pets have a way of reaching the spot, no matter how crafty you try to be, and that means that there is still a chance that they might ingest the treatment.   When this happens, it most often causes excessive drooling as their body works to get the taste and the chemicals out of their mouth. You can help your pet through this by offering them plenty of fresh water to drink.   In most cases, the worst you're going to see is a displeased cat or anxious dog, whom are not very happy to have been treated, but who will be very happy in an hour or so, as they are finally flea and parasite free again.  

Crate training your puppy is a great way to develop a bond with your puppy, provide them with their own "space" and to keep your pet safe. It's just a coincidental  bonus that crate training also has a way of keeping your belongings safe from curious puppy teeth.   I suspect you already know all of that though, which is why you're here on PetBucket, getting to know the process, so you can have an easier time training your puppy to enjoy his or her new kennel.   The process itself, is really simple. Most of it is about persistence and patience.    You're puppy is still new to the world, and still learning all the rules of his or her new home. To them, the rules are numerous, confusing and sometimes really boring. So it's important that you keep a regular schedule when you through kennel training into the mix, and it's especially important that you stay patient throughout the process.   To get started, you first need to decide when your pup will be in their crate. Will it be only at night? Will there be some times during the day when they will need to be in their kennel? Or will the crate just be there for occasional use?   Once you decide on a schedule, it's simply a matter of sticking to it.   The rest of your training sessions will depend on the temperament of your puppy, and the types of challenges that temperament that might come up.   Most of the time, the greatest challenges are getting your puppy to willingly enter the kennel on their own, and getting them to stay quiet while they are in their crates.    If your puppy is pretty laid back and trusting, then crate training will be a breeze, with few needs for "training tips". On the other hand, if your pup is either very anxious or very headstrong, you will want to consider what sort of high value rewards you will use to help encourage your puppy to climb into their kennel without a big fuss.     I have found that meaty treats are the best to start out with if your puppy is only a little resistant to going into their new kennel. Alternatively, if you have a stubborn young friend, then you might try feeding them their meals inside the kennel. This will help them associate their kennel as a good place to be when you put them in there.   On the issue of keeping quiet in the kennel, the best trick I know of, is to make sure you have a thick blanket you can place over the kennel. Most puppies have a hard time staying quiet in a kennel at first, and often times even after they are used to being in a kennel. By placing a blanket over the crate, you are communicating your canine friend, that it is time to relax and be quite.   Outside of the above guidance, the only thing left to keep in mind over the next few weeks of crate training, is that you should never use your puppy's kennel as a disciplinary tool while you are training them. If they misbehave in someway or need to be corralled, place them in a bathroom, backyard or bedroom. You can use the crate for these things later on after they have made it through the training days, though you want to wait at least a good 4 or 5 months before you let yourself slip.   It's all too tempting to use the crate as an all purpose corralling and disciplining tool for your young puppy, but you can make them really despise going into the kennel if you use it the wrong way.  

I've learned two powerful lessons in my lifetime that I've been told, are worth sharing. The first lesson, is that anytime you can cook and eat a meal at home for yourself, you add an extra year to your lifespan. The second lesson is that anything you can do to expand your own life, you should do twice as often for your pets.    These are the thoughts behind today's post, in which I want to share with you my dog Bear's favorite recipe for Peanut Butter Puppy Chow.   I was experimenting in the kitchen one day when Bear was still just a few months old, when I mixed together a couple of recipes for puppy chow and homemade dog treats. I honestly hadn't expected it to turn out well back then, as I was still pretty new to the world of pet-cookery.   Still it must've had been wonderful, because Bear still inhales the homemade kibble anytime I make it for him. He's definitely not a puppy anymore, but it never hurts to give him an extra boost of protein and home cooked love whenever I have the time.   For This Recipe, You Will Need:   4 Cups of Unprocessed Wheat Flour 2 Cups of Powdered Organic Milk 2 Cups of Organic Peanut Butter 1 Pound of Organic Ground Beef 1 Cup of Organic Sweet Peas 1 Cup of Lard or Shortening 2 Cups of Rolled Oats 3 Cups of Water     The Recipe itself, is pretty straight forward: Step 1. Mix all of your ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. It's best if you start with the liquid ingredients first, and then work in the solid ingredients.   *Optionally* You can cook the peas and beef, or you can add them raw   Step 2. Once you have your ingredients thoroughly mixed into a big goopy mess in the bowl, you need to set your oven heat to 200*F, pour a thin layer of the mix onto a shallow baking pan and then place it in the oven for about 45 minutes.   Step 3. When the time is up, pull the kibble out of the oven and let it cool. It won't be done until it is completely dry, but you'll want to cut it into small pieces with a thin knife before it dries completely. Once it's completely done drying, you can scoop it out with a spatula and right into your pups dish, or you can put it into a storage bin for later.   This recipe should make enough kibble for 2-3 meals for a large breed puppy, so you can adjust according to your puppy's age, breed, appetite and tastes. Feature Image via framedcooks.com

If you're stumped for ideas of what to get your best friend for Christmas, we've got 10 gift ideas you might enjoy!     10. Home Made Peanut Butter Dog Treats - A home made meal definitely warms the heart, but nothing tingles those canine taste buds like home made peanut butter dog treats. Plus, they are a healthy way to include your pet when you're making treats for the rest of the family.     9. Repurposed Dog Toys and Beds - There reason your holiday gifts cannot be both amazing and practical, which means you are green lighted to get your puppy some repurposed dog toys, or maybe some new bedding to keep them warm during the cold winter nights.   8. A Doggy Car Seatbelt - This is a great gift to get for the dog who lives to ride in the car as often as they possibly can. A doggy seatbelt makes sure that they are safely buckled in like everyone else, which means they are less at risk to cause an accident by distracting their driver, and less at risk if an accident happens for any other reason.   7. Doggy Day Spa Trip - Not all dogs will enjoy this gift, but for the pampered pooch who loves to be babied, groomed and fawned over for a day, will love a trip to a doggy day spa.   6. Recycled Tire Toys - Kong is the most popular brand around here, though you might know other fantastic dog toy makers who create the funnest toys out of recycled tire rubber. Even if you haven't ever heard of them before, recycled tire toys are fantastic for dogs with a need to chew (and chew and chew..), which makes them a great gift to let your pup unwrap to keep them busy while you make the evening dinner.   5. A New Harness - Little or big, a harness is the gift to get for any dog who is still using a simple collar for walks. Harnesses are way more comfortable than collars, and they offer the leash-holder a much greater amount of control over the outcome of each daily walk.   4. A New Home - There is no gift better than love, and this holiday season, one of the most effective ways to bring more love into your life, is with a new puppy. And what better Christmas present is there for a new little pup, than a home with you?   3. A Larger Kennel - If your pup has nearly outgrown his or her kennel, or their kennel is badly in need of an update, you might consider doing some shopping for a new crate or kennel that fits your pups needs and compliments your household style.   2. Homemade Kibble - If you haven't yet checked out our homemade peanut butter kibble recipe, now would be a good time to do so. Especially since food always makes a fantastic snack for any canine companion.    1. Doggy Snow Shoes - If winter's where you are, are cold and snowy, then you pup will love you for getting them a pair of comfy snow shoes. They are designed to keep their feet protected from the harsher elements of winter, and many of them come in optional colors, for those dogs who like to accessorize.      Nothing says Christmas Cheer like a Pest-Free Home for the Holidays              Nothing says Pest-Free like Advocate for Dogs. Feature Image via epiphanyglass.com

The whole world may not revolve around you, but you are definitely the center of your pet’s universe. You provide the food, toys, massages, and affection that keeps them either purring or panting as the case may be. So when you leave the house, even for a short period of time, their reactions can seem severe. This Separation anxiety is a common problem with dogs, and an occasional one with cats. Its symptoms aren’t extremely obvious, and it can take a keen eye to pick up on anything amiss. Here are a few things to look out for, and some possible solutions to the problem. What’s the Deal with Dogs? Dogs are much more dependent on human interaction than cats. Because of this, separation anxiety can really strike a familiar chord for many dog owners. To make matters even more complex, symptoms of separation anxiety can easily be confused with a little overzealous behavior. Be on the lookout for one or all of the following symptoms: A dog shadow-dogs love to be underfoot, but when they can’t stand to be apart from you when you get up to leave the room, you might have a problem. Stressed behavior such as whining or relentless pacing while you’re preparing to leave. Barking, scratching, and whimpering at the door after you’ve made your exit. Accidents happen, but when the indoor pee/poop problem persists, something has to be done. Wanton destruction of carpet, plants, or furniture. If you notice trembling upon your return. Remember not to be a hypochondriac for your dog. This behavior when isolated and inconsistent isn’t necessarily grounds for alarm. Be wary when the pet’s actions become extreme and continuous. What to do? Some easy solutions for separation anxiety in dogs are as follows: Exercise- they can’t freak out if they’re too tired! Strategic meal times- food makes pets drowsy too. Different toys-Dogs get bored just like humans; keep them entertained with an abundance of chewies. Freezing food inside of a toy- This can keep them busy for quite a while! Teach the dog to sit and stay- If a dog learns that it can serenely stay in a room without you, you’ve won half the battle. If this all fails, you may want to consider asking your vet about anti-anxiety medication for pets. There’s a large variety of products available. You can also do a lot by creating a “safe place” that your dog goes to every time you leave. This place should include some dirty laundry that smells like you, some favorite toys, and a view of the outside to distract the dog. Or consider leaving your dog with a doggy daycare service, friend, or family member whenever you’ll be gone for a significant period of time. If you have a really persistent problem with your dog’s separation anxiety, then you’ll definitely have to consult your vet for further advice. That’s all the time we have for today’s post, but check back tomorrow, where we’ll cover the symptoms and solutions to a cat’s separation anxiety.

As we all know, dog training is no quick and easy endeavor, it takes time, patience, and determination. At the end of the day, it’s possible to bring your dog to a proficient level of understanding in most respects, using nothing but a reassuring voice and some tasty snacks. However, this isn’t always the easiest approach. Because of the widespread popularity of dogs, there has been an explosion in the production of dog training equipment. Some of these tools are near essential, while others are looking to scam you out of a quick buck. Since the goal here at Pet bucket is to ensure a happy and healthy pet, we’ve compiled a short list of some of our favorite and most effective dog training tools.   Shock collars: Many complain about the negative reinforcement method that a shock collar employs. However, when it comes to the results of such training, most recognize this as an “ends justifying means” scenario. The shock therapy is highly recommended in cases of extremely stubborn or dangerous behavior patterns. If this option still seems a bit barbaric for your delicate little doggy you can always go with the sonic option. Instead of an electric shock, this collar works by delivering a tone to let the dog know if it’s not being well-behaved.  Both collar types come with a wide variety of options customized to fit your dog’s precise needs, such as remote control, noise-trigger, invisible fencing, and much more.   Leash Training Harnesses: Leash training is one of the essential but most difficult dog training endeavors. Dogs instinctively push forward against any force pulling them backward. That can often end up with a dog half-strangling itself in an attempt to chase some squirrels. Luckily, you can avoid canine asphyxiation with some clever collar alternatives. There are harnesses that tighten around the chest and backs of dogs as they exert pressure, and the leaders that divert their momentum to the side as they rush forward. These gentle leaders can be either hooked around the chest or around the snout, so long as you don’t have a pug-faced dog.  You’ll notice a huge difference in your walks if you give these momentum diverters a try.   Clickers: These unassuming yet useful instruments are fairly self-explanatory. They make a satisfying click noise whenever you push them. This can be used as an audible cue for your dog to pick up on whenever you feel like rewarding them for being well-behaved. It’s a simple yet extremely effective trick, and has been used as a mainstay in obedience training for many years. Canine training tools run the gamut from simple and cheap to fancy and expensive. Use your best judgment before purchasing a training tool. It’s important to recognize your dog as an individual with distinctive reasons for his or her behavioral ticks. Make sure to always keep this in mind whenever engaging in a training session. And always avidly peruse the Pet bucket blog for more helpful training tips!

Stronghold flea and worm medication is another fine example of a multifaceted and all inclusive medication to defend your pet against all sorts of foreign invaders. The advantage of a treatment like Stronghold is that it is a sort of one stop shop for almost any parasitic problems you might encounter. True to its name, Stronghold turns your pet into an indomitable fortress designed to take out parasites at every turn. This simple spot on medication protects your pet on the outside from fleas, sarcoptic mange, ticks, and ear mites as well as the inside from worms that plague the intestinal tract and heart. The active ingredient in Stronghold is known as Selamectin. It’s a water resistant chemical that absorbs into your dog or cat by way of the hair follicles and skin, it then travels through the sebaceous glands, bloodstream, and intestines going to work on whatever foreign attacker is closest at hand and all set to be destroyed. It has separate uses depending on which animal it’s used on. In dogs it kills certain varieties of fleas as well as the aforementioned ear mites, while in cats the chemical takes its pound of flesh from intestinal worms. To be more precise, it works most notably against hookworms and roundworms. Like any other spot on medication that’s worth its salt, Stronghold is convenient in a number of ways. For starters, it’s fast acting. It begins killing parasites within 30 minutes of an application. It’s long-lasting as well. Just one treatment is worth 30 days of parasite protection. Another great feature is that bathing the dog won’t reduce the drug’s efficacy, at least not after a grace period of 30 minutes, right about the time you’d want to start washing off the dead fleas! Another lesser known bonus application of Stronghold is its effectiveness on newborn puppies. Puppies are too young and fragile to be treated with any pet medications directly. However, it’s perfectly safe to treat their mother before the litter has been weaned. Do you get where this is going? The lactating mother canine is able to act as a filter and transmitter for the puppies’ flea prevention. It’s a handy feature, because it’s absolutely heartbreaking to see a defenseless puppy fall prey to the negative effects of a filthy parasite. If this product is starting to sound a little eerily familiar, it may be because of a passing familiarity you have with another nearly identical name brand of pet medication: Revolution. In fact, it might surprise you to learn that Stronghold and Revolution are one and the same. They are identical products sold under different names in different parts of the world. Why the discrepancy? Only the fine folks at Pfizer (the manufacturer of both) would know. Regardless of their reasoning the only difference in the two products is the packaging, and no matter your choice in aesthetics, both products are available at Petbucket.com. Order your supply in advance and save on shipping today!  

There are a few more important aspects getting cats and dogs living together that we’ve yet to discuss. As we learned in the last post, introductions are important, and shouldn’t be rushed through at all. Instead, a slow, methodical, and supervised tactic should be observed over a number of weeks acclimatizing the cat to the dog and vice versa. Unrestricted face to face encounters should be saved until the dog can reliably be called to heel despite the distracting advent of the cat. The cat needs to be comfortable with its surroundings, and able to get away from the dog whenever it feels threatened. In addition to these hard and fast rules, there are a number of intangibles to look out for. When picking out pets to round out your household, a conscientious pet owner should always take temperament and attitude into account. Playful cats are more likely to get along with playful dogs. Independent dogs won’t be as likely to irritate more self-concerned cats. It’s a simple thought, but one that pays big dividends if it is observed. Choosing pets with complimentary personalities goes a long way in successfully getting cats and dogs living together. Earlier it was mentioned about cats that they need safe-havens to escape to when the dog becomes too overbearing. Most cats can manage to find these sorts of things out for themselves, but if you have a perchless homestead, you might want to invest in some kind of jungle gym climbing equipment for your kitty. A few steps with scratching post pillars and cat nip embedded within should do the trick. Just so long as it’s tall enough for the cat to retreat from the dog upon. One obvious dynamic that we’ve yet to mention is the age of the pets. Trying to get adult cats and dogs living together is far more difficult than teaching a puppy and a kitten to do the same. Younger animals are always quicker to socialize, play, and learn about one another. Such is the inquisitive and adorable nature of the youth. Even so, it is still important to regulate the dog when the cat is being overwhelmed, and the cat needs to be kept in line if it ever begins to bully the dog. Although it is okay to enjoy an initial laugh at the dog’s expense. Just be sure to correct the behavior soon thereafter. The whole idea to getting cats and dogs living together happily is balancing out the conflicts in their personalities. A dog can’t be overly dominant of the cat, and the cat can’t be overtly aggressive toward the dog. You have to have two equally submissive pets recognizing your authority as the alpha of your household. Once the pecking order is clearly established, the introductions have been made at the proper pace, and all of the intangibles have been observed and orchestrated you can move begin to enjoy the  silly displays of affection and merrymaking that your cats and dogs will inevitably perform for your entertainment.