Numerous conversations can make the average individual uncomfortable. When it comes to matters of health, many people shy away from the conversation about stool and what it says about their health. The same conversation can and should be had regarding your dog's health. As odd as it may seem, taking a few moments to pay attention to your dog's stool can reveal a lot about its health.   When you bring your dog to its annual visit with the veterinarian, the vet will examine the dog's stool as part of the process of analyzing its overall health. You can keep tabs on your dog's health in between visits by keeping an eye on the color, shape, consistency, size, and content of its stool.   Color Your dog's stool should consistently be a chocolate-brown color. Unless you feed your dog dry food with special coloring in it, there is no good reason for its stool to be different colors. Streaks of bright red coloring or red fluid are a sign of blood present in the stool. Stools that are black or tar-like in appearance could signal internal bleeding in your dog's gastrointestinal tract. A lighter color, such as tan, could be a sign of liver disease.   Shape The shape of dog stool should be that of a log. If your pet is dropping stools in the shape of small balls or pebbles during elimination, it could be a sign of kidney disease. Dogs suffering from kidney disease often fail to get proper hydration on a daily basis, resulting in stool that has this unusual shape. Diarrhea is not a definitive sign of a chronic illness, but when it occurs you should keep a close eye on your dog's eliminations for a few days to ensure its stool returns to normal.   Consistency When you are cleaning your dog's stool from the yard, it should be easy to pick up and have the consistency of dough. As mentioned above, diarrhea is a clear sign of distress. If your dog's stool is too firm it can be a sign of dehydration, constipation, or both.   Size Different dog breeds will have different stool sizes, so owners need to be aware of the common stool size for their breed. Stool size should be consistent on a weekly basis and correlate to the amount of food the dog is consuming each day. If your dog is eliminating in higher volumes it could be a sign that it is struggling to properly digest its food. Conversely, smaller volumes of stool are a sign that your dog may not be eating enough food.   Content Finally, as you clean your dog's stool from the yard it is worth looking at the content of its eliminations. If the stool appears to be covered with a filmy mucous it could be a sign that your dog has colitis. Undigested food particles are a sign that your dog may be struggling to digest all of the ingredients in its food. The presence of hair in stool can result from excessive grooming that occurs, in some pets, when stress levels are high or allergies are bothersome.   The most important thing to remember is that your dog should have consistent stool over long periods of time. Humans and animals alike are prone to daily variations, but consistent variations over long periods of time are cause for concern.

Cats have a reputation for being very low-maintenance pets-and in some ways, that reputation is well deserved. Still, just because you may not need to monitor your furry friend every second of the day doesn't mean that your cat isn't going to find ways to get into trouble in your house. In fact, a number of common household items have the potential to be very harmful to cats. Here is a look at some of the most dangerous offenders.   Household cleaners Chemicals like ammonia, bleach, chloride, and formaldehyde-many of which are staples in household cleaners-can be extremely toxic if they are ingested by your cat. Many modern cleaning products are scented so they don't have as much of a chemical smell, but this fragrance might actually fool your kitty into lapping up a cleaner unintentionally. Cats can even be exposed to chemicals by drinking water out of a recently cleaned toilet bowl or chewing on cloth that has remnants of laundry detergent left on it.   Medications If a medicine bottle accidentally spills, you need to be careful to collect every single pill so that your curious feline won't get ahold of human medication. Both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines can be poisonous if ingested by your cat. Another common mistake many cat owners make is to expose your kitty to topical flea medication meant for treating dogs or humans. The active ingredient permethrin is found in many medications that fight fleas, but it should never be used on cats in particular.   Chocolate You've probably heard in the past that dogs should never eat chocolate, but you may not know that the same is true of cats. Chocolate contains a number of chemicals that are harmful to your kitty. Theobromine is a chemical found in chocolate that animals are unable to digest, and it can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. Chocolate is also high in caffeine, which can negatively impact your cat's nervous system and may cause coma or death.   Houseplants When summer approaches, your home and garden come to life with greenery. Unfortunately, many houseplants are poisonous to cats when eaten. Keep rhododendrons, lilies, azaleas, and jimson weed out of the house in order to keep your kitty healthy. You should also check the comprehensive list of poisonous plants on the ASPCA website before adding any new greenery to your home.   Rodenticides and insecticides It shouldn't be too surprising that products meant to be poisonous to bugs, rats, and mice can also be harmful to cats. Still, thousands of kitties get sick each year from ingesting rodenticides and insecticides. These chemicals can also be harmful if your cat eats a rodent that has been poisoned, so you need to work closely with an exterminator to figure out safer pest control options.   Unfortunately, the common idiom, "curiosity killed the cat" can actually turn out to be quite true unless you are careful with the harmful products that are often found around your home. Make sure to eliminate or hide any items that might pose a threat to your kitty in order to ensure a long and happy life together.

Dog owners in the 21st century have become very passionate about the food they feed their dog. For decades now dogs have been subjected to dry foods found on the shelves of grocery, convenience, and pet stores across the country. As the human diet has changed in recent years, with a greater focus on healthy ingredients, so too has the diet of man's best friend.   Raw food-based diets are increasingly popular among dog owners who believe that dry food is entirely deficient in its nutritional value. However, the raw food movement is creating an intense debate among dog owners. The lack of reliable information on raw food diets, as well as questions surrounding health and safety, has further complicated the issue. Below you'll find the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to a raw food diet.   The Good Supporters of raw food diets often point to the health benefits when making the switch from dry dog food. A raw food diet provides dogs with greater nutritional value because they are eating foods that have not been altered or pumped full of preservatives. Many dry dog foods are made with animal by-products, rice, and other grains with little to no nutritional value.   A raw diet is free of preservatives and contains more nutrients that a dog needs to grow and develop properly. Dogs with food allergies or nutritional deficiencies in their current diet can benefit from the greater control offered in a raw diet. Raw feeding allows you as the owner to craft meal plans for your dog that meet its specific nutritional needs (should deficiencies exist) and avoid ingredients that cause allergic reactions in your dog.   There is also anecdotal evidence to suggest that raw diets provide other benefits to your dog's overall mental and physical well-being. Bones are a part of certain raw diet meal plans. Some owners have noticed that bones in the diet help alleviate natural chewing tendencies and improve overall behavior as a result.   The Bad While many supporters of raw feeding point to centuries of canine existence on raw diets, proponents are quick point out that there were fewer distinct breeds in the past compared to today. With so many different breeds today, it is hard to identify one raw diet that works for all dogs. Different breeds have different needs, and some will have natural deficiencies that make raw diets difficult.   The convenience and cost factors associated with raw diets are often used as arguments against the movement. Commercial raw food is available, but it needs to be stored in the freezer and allowed time to thaw before being served. Preparing raw food on your own for your dog is also time consuming as you are now cooking meals for yourself and preparing your dog's food each day.   It can also be difficult to ensure that the raw diet you prepare for your dog meets all of its nutritional needs. A raw diet needs to be balanced to ensure it remains beneficial to your dog's health.   The Ugly The greatest concern that many have with a raw diet is the health risk it could pose to a dog. While the production process for dry dog food destroys many nutrients and vitamins in the ingredients, it also destroys many of the potential risk factors found in those ingredients. Raw diets have been found to contain dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E-coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.   Your dog may shed many of these bacteria in its stool, but traces can be transferred by your dog to carpets and furniture in the home. Young children and the elderly living in your home are at risk of contracting these bacteria and becoming seriously ill.   Additionally, there are other pathogens found in raw meats that can make your dog severely ill and threaten its life. Examples include Neospora caninum, Nanophyetus salmincola, and Trichinella spiralis.   Last but not least, there is the health risk that bones pose to your dog. Chewing raw bones can cause intestinal blockages, perforations of the stomach and intestines, and chipped or broken teeth.   In the end, the decision to switch your dog to a raw food diet should be done only after researching the nutritional needs of your breed. When deciding upon a raw diet, it would also be beneficial to discuss the plan with your dog's veterinarian. Feature image credit

The hot days of summer mean fun in the sun, but parasites like fleas can ruin the party. Romping with your dog and letting your cat hunt in the back yard may be fun, but there could be danger lurking in the grass.   Fleas are a big problem for cats and dogs, and responsible pet parents need to take proactive steps to keep them at bay. If you have a pet, you need to be aware of fleas and do your homework on how to prevent them.   Buy a flea comb If you have not already done so, buying a flea comb is a smart move. The tiny teeth in the flea comb will trap adult fleas and their eggs, removing them before they can do further damage.   A flea comb is also a valuable tool in determining whether or not you have a flea problem. Fleas are so tiny they are almost invisible to the naked eye. Using a flea comb on your pet is often the only way to know if your cat or dog is infested.   If you do have a flea infestation, you may need to treat your home with flea bombs and other chemicals. This will kill any adult fleas and flea eggs hiding in the carpets and other spaces in your home. Once the initial infestation has been dealt with, you will be able to start on a monthly preventative plan.   Monthly preventative treatments There are a number of excellent preventative treatments on the market, and it is important for pet parents to talk to their veterinarians and get their recommendations. The vet can provide detailed instructions on how, and how often, to use these topical flea and tick treatments.   No matter which preventative treatment you choose, you need to use it consistently. Most treatments are applied on a monthly basis, and missing a dose could give fleas and ticks a foothold. Treating the pet promptly will prevent that problem and keep your pet protected all season long.   Be aware of the signs The preventative treatments you use should be enough to keep fleas at bay, but it is still important to watch your pet for signs of a flea problem. If you notice an increase in scratching or irritation, it is time to get out your flea comb and take a look.   If you have light-colored carpets, you can also watch for telltale dark spots that could indicate fleas or flea eggs. If you do find signs of a flea infestation, you may need to treat your home to eradicate the pests once and for all.   Keeping your pets flea-free is not always easy, and it is important to be vigilant all season long. Fleas can start cropping up outside as soon as the weather gets warm, and they can hang out in your home even through the winter. The best way to keep your pet protected is to watch out for the signs and be ready to take action when you find these troublesome parasites in your home or on your pet. Want to protect your fur-babies from fleas? Our online store offers heavily discounted (up to 75% off) flea treatments from leading brands. Feature image credit

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time in the life of any household. Welcoming a new four-legged friend to the family is always fun, but inexplicable medical problems can replace your happiness with fear and anxiety.   One of the most vexing problems dog owners face is a puppy that constantly scratches itself. In some cases the itching and subsequent scratching can become so severe that the animal literally rubs its hair off, causing sore spots and making the problem even worse.   When pet owners see their puppies scratching themselves, the first thing they think of is flea infestation. Fleas are extremely common, and they love to hitch a ride whenever a dog happens by. Fleas are also extremely tiny and hard to detect, so it is important to check your puppy carefully. Even if you think fleas are not to blame, going over the puppy one more time with a fine-toothed flea comb is a good way to rule them out.   If you have truly ruled out fleas, you need to look to other possible causes of itching. In some cases the cause could be as simple as rough carpet. If your new puppy has been spending a lot of time rolling around on the rug, the tiny fibers in the carpet could be irritating its skin. You can test this theory by getting your puppy a dog bed and encouraging it to play there, or by placing the dog in an uncarpeted room to see if the itching and scratching goes away.   Once you have ruled out itchy carpets, you need to think about allergies as a source of itchy skin and persistent scratching. Puppies can suffer from all kinds of allergies, from food allergies to reactions to household cleaners and chemicals. If you suspect allergies are to blame, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian. A good vet will be able to look at the symptoms, including the condition of your puppy's skin, to determine whether allergies are to blame.   The vet will also be able to prescribe medications to reduce allergy symptoms and alleviate constant scratching. Your vet may put the puppy on a short-term steroid to verify the diagnosis and reduce the symptoms. If the symptoms subside, the vet may prescribe additional medications to keep the allergy symptoms at bay.   A sudden change in what your puppy eats can also cause itching and make your dog scratch incessantly. If you bought your puppy from a breeder, ask the seller what brand of food they feed. If you can, sticking with that brand is best. If that is not possible, you should slowly wean the puppy off the old food, introducing the new brand slowly until it is the sole source of nutrition. A sudden change can upset your puppy's delicate digestive system, resulting not only in scratching but vomiting and diarrhea as well. It is also a good idea to talk to your vet when changing foods. The vet can recommend supplements to ease the transition and give your new puppy the nutrients it needs to grow big and strong.   In the end, identifying the source of a scratching problem is an exercise in careful elimination. Since so many things can cause severe itching and constant scratching in a puppy, it is important to rule out each potential cause one at a time. Once you know what is causing the scratching, you can work on solving the problem and getting your puppy off to a great start in your home.

Many people think that all cats are confident and self-assured, but experienced cat owners know better. Cats can suffer from anxiety, depression and other mental health issues just like dogs, and it is up to their owners to get them the help they need. If your cat displays signs of anxiety, like sudden mood changes, unwarranted aggression, hiding or lethargy, you need to identify the source of the problem and work to resolve it.   Identify the source Before you can solve an anxiety problem in your cat, you first need to determine what makes it anxious. Few cats are anxious for no reason; most cats display anxiety in response to a specific stimulus. Identifying that stimulus is half the battle when dealing with an anxiety problem in your pet.   If you have other pets in the house, their interactions with your cat could be causing stress and anxiety. Take the time to watch your cat with your other pets. Does your cat leave the room when the dog comes in? Does it hide from your other cat or show aggression?   Human family members can also be the source of anxiety in cats. Young children in particular may play too roughly or disturb the cat while it is sleeping. Setting boundaries and teaching your kids to play nicely with the kitty can go a long way toward solving the problem.   Work slowly to resolve it Once you have identified the source of the anxiety, you can work on solving the problem and making your cat feel better. If your cat is scared of the dog, slowly introducing the two can break the tension and help your cat get over its fear. If other cats are the problem, setting up a neutral meeting place to introduce the two and let them work out their issues can be helpful.   Seek help when you need it If the self-help approach does not work, seeking the help of a professional is always a good idea. Your first stop should be the veterinarian's office. A thorough exam is a good idea for a number of reasons. First of all, the anxiety could be caused by an underlying physical problem. If your cat is anxious and you cannot easily determine the reason, a trip to the vet is definitely in order.   In addition, veterinarians have access to a number of calming supplements and drugs that can help your cat deal with its anxiety issues. Herbal remedies can be very helpful for treating anxiety in cats, especially anxiety that is triggered by specific events.   If your cat gets anxious when a thunderstorm is looming, adding a bit of calming medicine to its food when severe weather is imminent can stop the anxiety before it starts. If your cat hates the vet, a few calming herbs the morning of your appointment can do wonders.   Dealing with anxiety in cats can be a difficult process, but being an informed and observant owner can go a long way. Watching your cat closely can help you identify anxiety problems early, while reading about the problem can help you develop a treatment plan that results in a happier and healthier cat. Feature image credit

When you buy a new puppy and bring it home to your house for the very first time, it can be intimidating trying to adjust to this addition to your life. New parents bringing home a baby often worry about how much or how often their new child should be feeding. When you bring a new puppy home, trying to figure out its eating schedule can be equally difficult. So how much food should your dog be eating?   Puppies vs. Dogs Human children do not eat the same portions or follow the same schedule as adults. Dogs are no different than humans in this respect. When you first bring home a very young puppy you will need to follow a different feeding schedule than you would if you adopted an adult dog. During the first three months of a puppy's life you should be feeding it three to four times a day.   Young puppies, particularly between eight and ten weeks, need to eat food more frequently during the day with smaller portion sizes. Keep the feedings on a regular schedule and be sure to serve the same amount of food each time. For example, if you feed your puppy a half scoop of food every day at 8am and continue that trend every four hours, that schedule should continue until it is three months old.   Once your puppy reaches three months old you can change its diet schedule. Older puppies and adult dogs only need to eat twice a day. The need for consistency in the food, portions, and timing continues throughout a dog's life. If you begin feeding your dog at 10am and 6pm, you should continue that trend as closely as possible at all times.   Factors to Consider The amount of food that your particular dog consumes can vary drastically from your cousin's dog or your neighbor's dog. It is beneficial for all dogs to eat twice daily at roughly the same time during the day. However, a Chihuahua is not going to consume the same amount of food that a Great Dane will at those two meals. You should learn about the eating habits of your breed to ensure you are not offering too much food.   Perhaps the most important factor to consider when determining the amount of food to feed your dog is its activity level. Just as a human being gains too much weight from eating large portions and not exercising, a dog that eats too much food and never gets a walk will gain unhealthy weight. If you have an extremely active, working breed such as a Siberian Husky, you are going to notice your dog eating more at each meal.   On the other hand, a Chihuahua is not necessarily going to eat extra because the breed is generally a house dog that does not spend hours running with its master or hauling carts.   Why Food Portions Matter The amount of food your dog eats is critical to it having a happy life. When your dog's weight gets out of control, your dog can suffer from a number of life-shortening (though not always life-threatening) diseases and conditions. Overweight dogs are susceptible to hypothyroidism, diabetes, pancreatitis, cancer, and arthritis.   Feeding your dog a balanced diet on a routine schedule will help ensure that it maintains a healthy weight, and lives a happy life. Feature image credit  

Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects both dogs and cats. Heartworm is an internal parasite that lives in the host's heart and pulmonary arteries. If left untreated, a heartworm infection can lead to complications such as organ damage and ultimately death. The condition is more prevalent in canines than felines. Heartworm can be found in other mammals including humans, but dogs are the most common host. Although cats can harbor the condition, they are typically more resistant to heartworm infection than dogs. Outdoor pets are at an increased risk of developing heartworm than indoor pets. Since heartworm is spread by mosquitos, pets are more at risk during the summer months. Pets that live in warm weather climates where mosquito are present all year are at risk year round. Outdoor pets should be kept indoors during hours when mosquito are most active. Pets may not show any outward symptoms of heartworm infection until the condition is quite advanced. There are typically more heartworms present in dogs than in cats, however a few worms in a feline may be fatal.  Heartworms tend to live longer in dogs than cats. Signs of heartworm infection may include: Weight loss Lethargy Loss of appetite Shortness of breath Dull coat Blood in the stool and/or sputum. As the condition progresses, the animal's breathing may become labored. Felines may exhibit diarrhea, vomiting and/or convulsions. The severity of the condition depends on several factors such as the number and location of the worms, the length of time that the animal has been infected and the state of the their immune system. Treatment of heartworms can pose its own threat and may lead to complications or even death in cases of severe infestation. The drugs used to treat heartworm infection may cause severe reactions in certain dog breeds. Surgery may be another option to remove heartworms, but this alternative is usually only reserved for the most critical cases. Surgery may sometimes be a better option for cats. Taking proper preventative measures is the best course of action to protect your pet against heartworm infection. There are several medications that are effective in preventing heartworm. Although there are more medications available for dogs, there are also a few available for prevention of heartworm in cats. Always consult your veterinarian in determining the proper course of heartworm prevention for your pet. Many of the heartworm preventatives are also effective in preventing ear mites, fleas and other intestinal parasites. Before beginning any course of treatment for heartworm prevention, have your veterinarian test your dog or cat for heartworm. At the age of six months, dogs and cats should be tested for heartworm infection. Tests should be performed annually after the initial exam. Pet owners should take heartworm infestation seriously and the potential dangers that may occur, especially for those pets in areas or during seasons when mosquitoes are primarily active. Want to protect your four-legged friend from heartworm? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 75% off) heartworm treatments. Feature image credit

Anyone who shares their life with a pet, or who has ever spent time with a pet, knows that animals enrich our lives. Research has proven that people with pets are happier and healthier. Animals help people with Autism, especially children, to socialise and remain calm and also assist those with developmental disabilities, Down Syndrome, temporary and permanent mobility impairments and people who have suffered a stroke. Animals can speed a person's recovery after a heart attack, can reduce blood pressure and the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Close bonds develop between people and pets and it is these bonds that science is starting to explore. Anthrozoology is the scientific study of humans and animals – it is the how, what and why of the special bonds that form and the effects of these interactions and the relationships. The goal of anthrozoology is to improve and better understand human and animal mental and physical well-being.   Animals have an influence and affect upon us that is greater than we may realise. Life is short, so spend a little time observing your pet and then adopt some of their traits, daily practices and outlook on the world. Here are a few life lessons that our pets teach us about life. 1. Love unconditionally As humans we are involved in a number of different and complicated relationships with family, friends and colleagues. We often place value on these relationships based on expectations and experiences. This can be the cause of a lot of pain and worry. Animals don’t bother with these conditions. They don’t hold grudges, make judgements or expect anything. Instead, they quickly, easily and wholeheartedly exhibit compassion, devotion and love. 2. Be grateful and positive We’ve all heard that ‘the simple things in life are often the best'. Well, it’s true and animals live by this rule. Whilst we strive to succeed in our careers, compete with others and amass more possessions and wealth, animals take pleasure in life itself and celebrate the little things.   Image credit 3. Friendship and loyalty If you treat your pet with kindness and provide food, water and shelter they’ll remain by your side and loyal forever. They don’t ask much but what we get in return is something very special. Pets are happy just to be with us and to be part of our lives. It’s something that we can, and should, extend to our human friendships as well. 4. Walk, play, stretch, head outdoors and catch some sunshine Every day you should spend time exercising, enjoying nature and the sun’s warmth – not only does it provide health benefits and is a wonderful thing to do, but It’s also free! And remember to pursue fun and laughter whenever you can. Get out there and play with your children, friends and pets for the hell of it.   5. Express yourself You know instantly if your pet is happy, sad, unwell, irritated or scared because they show you. When they love you, they show you. They may not be able to talk but they are honest about they're feelings and don’t play games. Wouldn’t things be much easier if we too expressed how we felt and showed our love and happiness so unguardedly? 6. Simplify your life and relax Okay, so our laid-back pets don’t have the stresses and demands in life that we do, but many of these are of our own making. Take opprtunities to simplify your life. Spend your weekend only concerning yourself with meals, exercising, play, relaxation and sleep. Take a nap if you want to, lounge on the grass in the sun, clear your mind and enjoy the stillness. 7. Be present Pets don’t dwell on the past or fret about the future. They live in the moment and deal with things as they happen. They are content to just be. It's a very stress-free way of living.   Image credit   Feature image credit      

Almost every dog owner has faced the problem of doggy bad breath at one time or another. Most veterinarians advise getting your dog used to having their teeth brushed from a young age, but when this is not a workable solution, you can find other ways to ensure that your dog's breath doesn't 'offend.' 1. Veterinary dental care The most critical action you can take to prevent or cure bad breath problems in dogs is to ensure that they have proper dental care. Your veterinarian will determine if your dog has excessive plaque on their teeth during normal physical exams. Plaque removal requires that your dog be put under anesthesia in order to remove the hard substance from their teeth. Your vet will determine the right type of anesthesia to ensure your dog's safety during the procedure. 2. General health While at the office, ask your vet to give your dog a blood workup to ensure that your dog is in good health. Many physical conditions can contribute to poor digestion and bad breath, such as diabetes mellitus, sinus problems or gastrointestinal issues. Managing metabolic issues early can help to solve bad breath problems and ensure that your dog has a long and healthy life. Nasal, throat or stomach problems may require antibiotics or allergy treatment. 3. Check your dog's diet Bad breath can be a signal that your dog's diet needs a little investigation. It may be very high in meat protein, which can linger between teeth and cause odors. Changing to a diet with more vegetables or rice can help to reduce the amount of odor coming from the teeth and stomach. Remember to make dietary changes gradually to avoid stomach upsets. 4. Safe chew toys Toys that allow dogs to chew them over a long period of time are best for removing film on teeth that causes odors. Of course, these toys must be made of hard materials to prevent crumbling that could be dangerous. Kong is one type of chew toy recommended by veterinarians that is hard enough for safe chewing. 5. Dental chews Dog owners can find a wide variety of dental chews on the market to give to their dogs to help remove food particles and plaque that causes bad breath. Greenies are one type of dog chew that contains charcoal to neutralize odors. They come in a variety of sizes to suit every breed. You can try a number of them to see which one your dog likes best. 6. Chlorhexidine sprays Chlorhexidine is often used in dental sprays and dental chews. It is an antiseptic that can help to reduce the bacteria that can contribute to dog mouth odors. Use only products that are specifically made for canines for optimum safety. 7. Drinking water treatments If other treatments have not been successful, your vet may suggest one of the water treatment products that are on the market to help relieve bad breath in dogs. Dog owners can simple add a small amount to the dog's drinking water daily to help remove tartar and plaque that causes odors. TropiClean is one product that contains natural aloe vera and green tea to neutralize odors. Feature image credit