The icy-cold grip of winter has relented, and people across the US are getting outside to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. You and your pets are not the only ones making a return to the great outdoors though. Ticks and all manner of blood-sucking, biting insects are coming out to play as well. Everyone thinks about bug spray, long sleeves, and tick checks after playing in the woods, but do all pet owners think about their best friend's safety in the woods?   Protecting your pet against the threat of disease and infection from a tick is vital. Not only does preventing a tick from taking root on your pet protect its health, it also prevents that tick from getting inside your home and close to your family. The following tips and remedies will help prevent ticks from ruining your pet's summer.   1. Spot-on treatments There's a wide variety of medications that can be applied to your pet to prevent ticks. These need to be applied once a month to remain effective and are generally safe for human contact as soon as they've dried on your pet's skin and fur.   2. Oral medications Available in a pill form, oral medications are effective at killing ticks that come into contact with your pet as well as fleas. Unlike spot-on treatments, there is no need to worry about others coming into contact with chemicals because your dog ingests the pill and the chemicals work from the inside out.   3. Shampoos and tick dips Alongside spot-on treatments and oral medications you'll no doubt find tick shampoos and dips. Shampoos are often skipped by many pet owners because they are both labor intensive (who really enjoys bathing their pet?) and not as cost-effective, requiring repeat applications every two weeks. Tick dips are extremely effective but contain highly-concentrated chemicals that must be used carefully and cannot be rinsed off immediately following application. In the case of tick dips, it is recommended that you consult a veterinarian before applying them to your dog.   4. Tick collars Once an extremely popular option, tick collars do not make for a well-rounded defense against ticks. The collars really only offer protection to the neck and head region of your dog, and when fitted to your dog should make direct contact with the skin. This ensures that the chemicals contained in the collar are transferred to your dog's skin and coat.   There are also a number of non-chemical steps you can take to keep ticks at bay. Chances are your dog is going to spend most of its outdoor time this summer in your backyard. Create natural and physical barriers between wild nature and your backyard. Keep brush and overgrowth trimmed back away from your property line, and if necessary consider fencing in the backyard.   These steps won't eliminate ticks completely, but it does help deter their invasion of your property and limits the possibility of your dog goes romping through prime tick territory. Last but not least, when your pet comes inside from playtime get the brush out. Giving your pet a good brush-down will help pull off ticks and give you an opportunity to scan its skin for any of those little suckers that have dug in to sneaky spots. Want to protect your furry friend from pesky ticks? Our online store offers heavily discounted (up to 75% off) tick treatments. Feature image credit  

It's no secret that keeping cats active can be a chore. Unlike dogs who fetch, like to go on walks, and are generally rather active, cats don't always seem to enjoy being active. Unfortunately, lack of activity in cats can lead to obesity and, as a result, many other health problems. It is crucial that your cat stay active in order to enjoy a healthy and long life. So what can you do to help keep your cat active? Below are five tips you can follow to help your feline obtain more activity and live a longer, healthier life. 1. Create an activity-promoting environment One of the best things you can do for your cat is create an environment that encourages activity. Be sure to include many levels and stands, as this will encourage cats to jump and will also help promote balance and coordination. Cats instinctively seek out high perching points because it gives them a better vantage point over their surroundings. Make sure that the posts you choose are made from tightly woven fibers as most cats prefer this type of material. 2. Be active with them Cats like playmates just as much as anyone else, so be sure that you are active, as well. Whether you're using a feather hanging from a wand to entice your cat to jump and get it or you choose another toy, playing with your cat will not only help your kitty be more active but will strengthen the bond between you. 3. Go the distance Be sure to put distance between your cat's food and water bowls. It might not seem like that much exercise, but when cats have to walk from one bowl to the other in order to obtain food and water, that extra movement can add up to serious calorie burn over time. 4. Exercise portion control When you feed your cat, be sure to only feed them the correct portions. Ask your veterinarian what type of food you should be feeding your cat and how much you should be giving them. Stick to that plan and don't waver. You can also try putting small amounts of food in a toy designed for cat treats. The balls are usually about the size of a tennis ball and have small holes. Cats have to move the ball - and their bodies - in order to get the food out of the ball. It's a meal and a workout in one. 5. Limit treats One of the fastest ways to put pounds on your cat- or any pet - is to hand out too many treats. Wanting to reward your cat for doing good things is great, and one or two small treats won't hurt. But too often cat owners give their pets too many treats, including scraps from the table, and this can lead to damaging weight gain. Follow the above tips and you will start to see healthy changes in your cat. If your cat is not overweight and is relatively healthy, following these tips also acts a preventative measure. The older your cat gets the more easily they will put on weight and the harder it will be to work it off. Start today by employing one or more of the above suggestions so your cat can live a long and healthy life. Feature image credit

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, approximately 10% of the American population is allergic to dogs. While some may only suffer from itchy eyes, others have more serious issues like constricted breathing. In either case, dog ownership wouldn't be recommended. However, while there is no dog that is 100% hypoallergenic, there are some breeds that have non-shedding coats that produce less dander - the main cause of human pet allergies.  The following variety of dogs have proven to be best for allergy sufferers, although that does not mean they will have no affect at all.  1. Bedlington Terrier     2. Bichon Frise This is my Bichon, Blossom!   3. Chinese Crested   image credit 4. Irish Water Spaniel   image credit 5.  Kerry Blue Terrier   image credit   6. Maltese   image credit 7. Poodle (Standard, Mini, Toy)   8.  Portuguese Water Dog   image credit 9. Schnauzer (Giant, Standard, Mini)   image credit   10.  Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier   image credit 11. Xoloitzcuintli   image credit   header image credit

When your pet has fleas, the whole household has fleas, and it can be an incredibly frustrating experience to rid your home of these pests. Even so, with some patience and determined effort you can get rid of fleas as well as flea eggs. Anyone who has battled fleas is usually eager to prevent their pet from getting them in the future. However, if you find that your pet and home have fleas, the following tips will help you get rid of them.   Timing Timing is important when treating your pet and home for fleas. Ideally, you should treat your home, pet, and backyard at the same time. While adult fleas are comfortable hanging out on your dog, flea larvae and eggs will be hanging out in other spots. By treating them all at the same time, you increase your chances of success. Otherwise, the fleas or flea eggs will survive in one of the other untreated areas.   Insecticide Once fleas are rampant in your home, insecticide is generally a must. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend a preferred product. Your local pet store should also be able to advise you about the best products to use. Once you choose a product for the interior you should also pick one up for the yard or for the places where your pet is known to spend time. You will need to carefully read the instructions and follow them to the letter for optimum results. Don't use these products, however, until you plan to treat your dog.   The Interior You'll want to perform a thorough preparation before using your insecticide. You need to store all food and remove your pet's bowls of food and water. If you have a fish tank, you may need to cover fish tanks and remove any other pets you might have. Be sure to check and treat them for fleas too. All pet bedding will have to be washed in hot water or destroyed. Be sure to vacuum thoroughly--carpets, floors, and stairs. Vacuuming helps remove eggs and larvae. Don't forget to get rid of the vacuum bag right after you finish. Then you can apply the insecticide.   Outside Most of the fleas will likely be dealt with once you treat the house and your dog. Even so, it makes good sense to treat areas outdoors that are high-traffic areas for your dog. Some people may prefer to have professionals come out to spray, but many commercial products work well when applied by homeowners. The key, again, is to provide these various treatments in tandem.   Maintain cleanliness Even after you treat your home, you'll want to vacuum a couple times a day for several days and keep your floors clutter free so that you can easily vacuum. Also, don't forget to keep your dog flea free in the future. Once you have to de-flea your home, you don't want to have to go through that again. Plus, it's no fun for your dog to suffer those flea bites! Want to protect your forever friend from annoying fleas? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 75% off) flea treatments. Feature image credit  

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

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

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

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

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

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