Pet Bucket Blog

  The warm summer weather means spending more time outside walking, running and playing with your canine companion. While it's fun to take advantage of the summer sun while it lasts, it's important that you understand the hazards that summer heat presents to your dog, too. High temperatures can cause heat stroke, dehydration and burns, and UV rays can lead to sunburn and sometimes skin cancer. Practice these pet safety tips to minimize the risk of these consequences when exercising with your dog. 1. Time Your Exercise Sessions Properly The sun's rays are the most intense, and the temperatures are highest, between 12:00 and 2:00 pm. Avoid exercising your pet between these hours if at all possible. The best times to exercise outdoors in the summer are before 10:00 am and after 4:00 pm. Not only is the temperature cooler in the morning and evening, but the UV rays are less direct, leading to a smaller risk of sunburn for both you and your pet. 2. Keep Those Paws Safe Hot asphalt or concrete can burn your dog's paws. Avoid exercising your dog on these surfaces on hot days, and opt instead for a grass park or dirt trails. Just be careful walking your dog to and from the car if you drive to a park - even a few steps on hot asphalt can be hazardous. If you live in the city where concrete or asphalt are the only options, purchase a pair of doggie booties. These are little shoes that slip over your dog's paws and protect them from the heat. 3. Offer Plenty of Water Whether you exercise your dog near home or in a dog park, make sure you offer them plenty of water before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration. An easy way to carry water with you is in a regular water bottle. Most dogs easily adapt to drinking out of a bottle when water is poured into the side of their mouths. If your dog does not adapt to drinking in this manner, you can carry along a small bowl and pour the water into it for them. While you walk, pay attention to the locations of public bathrooms and drinking fountains. If these are available along your route, you can avoid carrying your own water. 4. Notice Dehydration Early Despite your best efforts to keep them hydrated, there may be times when your dog does become dehydrated in the summer heat. Learn to recognize the signs of dehydration, which include sunken eyes, lethargy and loss of appetite. Offer your dog water immediately if you notice these signs. If they don't drink within an hour, call your vet for further instructions. Prolonged dehydration is very dangerous; it can lead to kidney failure, intestinal blockage, and sudden death. 5. Use Sunscreen You wouldn't spend an afternoon in the sun without applying sunscreen, and neither should your dog. There are many pet sunscreens on the market. For best results, purchase one that is endorsed by the AAHA or SPCA. Spray-on formulas are easy to apply. If your pet has short hair, coat their whole body. If they have long hair, you do not need to spray their long-haired body parts. However, you should still apply sunscreen to any area where their hair is sparse. Summer is a time of year that is meant to be enjoyed. If you follow the tips above, you and your furry friend can have fun in the sun without compromising health or safety. If your dog has specific health problems that may impact their ability to tolerate heat, contact your veterinarian before taking them out in the heat for prolonged periods of time. You're always better safe than sorry, and it's perfectly okay to stay inside on the hottest days of the year. Feature image credit

Ginger Belle, a Yorkshire terrier from South Carolina, ran away in early May, 2014. Her distraught owners searched for her all over town but were unable to find her. Thankfully not too long after, Ginger Belle was picked up and brought to a local store where she was scanned for a microchip. Although she was collarless, it's because of Ginger Belle's microchip that she was identified and reunited with her family.  Like Ginger Belle, many pets have benefited from being microchipped; yet there are many owners hesitant to do the same. If you're still unsure, here are some reasons why you should consider it.   image credit   1. It's affordable Depending on the veterinarian, for $25-$50 you can have your pet microchipped. The implant is only the size of a grain of rice, but contains a special ID number that is linked to your contact information. The one time fee includes the implantation, and the registration in a pet recovery database where your contact information is stored. This information should be updated every time you move or change your phone number.   2. It doesn't hurt The microchip procedure doesn't require any anesthetic, and is as simple as the routine shots your pet receives. The microchip is injected between the shoulder blades, beneath the skin’s surface. The process only takes a few seconds, so you'll be in and out of the vet before you know it! The microchip with rice for size comparison. image credit   3. It's permanent Even if your pet wears a collar with tags, a microchip is the only permanent form of identification that won't be able to fall off, be removed, or become illegible. Microchips are designed to work for 25 years, lasting throughout your pet's lifetime.    Dog being scanned for microchip. image credit     4. There's some cool technology that works with it As microchips are becoming more popular, companies like SureFlap have created some really neat technology such as a pet door that can recognize your pet's chip to let him in and out of the house. The door can be programmed to lock and unlock at certain times, and although any pet can exit through it, only the microchipped pet can get back in. This prevents unwanted intruders like raccoons from entering your home.   5. You won't regret it According to the Humane Society, one out of every three pets is lost during their lifetime. This leads to an overwhelming amount of strays, shelter dogs, and unhappy families. Most pet owners should want to do everything possible to prevent losing their furbaby forever, and microchipping is a simple, modern day tool that can increase the chances in reuniting an owner with their lost pet. You won't regret microchipping your pet, but you'll always regret that you didn't if your pet gets lost.    image credit   It's important to remember that a microchip is NOT a GPS able to track your pet, but instead a permanent form of identification. If your pet gets lost and is brought to a shelter or veterinarian, they will scan for the chip and read its unique ID code. It's with that code that your contact information can be retrieved from the lost pet database, leading to a reunion with your pet.   Microchipping your pet is easy, affordable, and your best chance of reuniting with a lost pet. If you want to learn more about microchips there is an abundance of resources on the web and definitely be sure to ask your vet at your pet's next check-up! 

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

Obedience training not only makes your dog a more pleasant companion, it also can help keep your beloved friend safe and sound. These five commands are vital additions to your dog’s training repertoire.   Sit   Image credit Most dogs know how to sit but it is important owners practice this basic skill often so they know their dog will obey quickly, ignoring distractions. The sit command can stop dogs knocking over the young and elderly and make them less likely to drag you across a busy street.   Stay   Image credit   Once you have your dog sitting is important you can ensure they stay put in an emergency. With training, your dog should know to stay sitting until asked to move, however the ‘stay’ command is an extra ‘absolutely don’t move’ that can come in handy in tricky situations.     Come   Image credit   ‘Come’ is not only a useful command around the house when you need your dog to wander your way, but also out and about – especially if you let your dog roam off leash.   Your dog needs to know when they are called they are to come immediately. One of the best ways to train this is to give them their favourite treat when you are teaching them to approach when you call, so they come running at top speed, hungry for their reward.   Leave and Drop it   Image credit Dogs are great at sniffing out tasty things on their adventures, but not all of these things are good for them to eat. If your dog spots or gets a hold of something dangerous ‘leave’ and ‘drop it’ are vital commands to stop them getting themselves into danger.   Feature Image Credit  

Once Summer really ramps up, the heat becomes unberable and can even be dangerous. No matter how stifling we think it is - it is much worse for our furry friends. Pets suffer from heat exhaustion too and it can lead to organ damage, brain damage or death. Unlike us, they can’t simply take a cold shower, turn on the air conditioning or help themselves to an ice-cold drink and gelato cone whenever they want. Most importantly, they can’t ask for help if they need it. Pets rely on us to make sure they stay safe when the mercury rises.  Many animals, including dogs and cats, don't sweat through their skin to cool down as humans do. The only sweat glands they have are on the pads of their paws. Instead, they try to cool down by panting which circulates air and expells moisture from their respiratory tract and lungs.  Summer is synonymous with outdoor fun - pools, picnics, parks, beaches and barbecues. The guideline to keep your pet safe is straightforward: If it's too hot for you, then it's definitely too hot for pets.  Drinking Water First and foremost, lots of fresh water should be available to your pet - both indoors and outdoors - at all times during hot weather. Have at least double the number of water bowls, in twice the number of locations for your pet. Make sure that any outdoor water bowls are in shaded spots where the water has less chance of evaporating. Animals may not drink water that has become too warm so you can add ice to help keep it cool for longer. Petsicles Pets love a delicious frozen treat just as much as we do when it's hot. You can make tasty ice-blocks for your pet using water, beef, chicken or seafood stock and include some dried food, vegetables or anything that is safe for your pet to eat.  Image credit Outdoors Only exercise your pets in the morning or evening, not during the hottest hours of the day, and always carry water for your pet. On very hot days, reduce the intensity and duration of any exercise. This is particularly important for pets with short muzzles who may experience more difficulty breathing and panting in hot and humid weather. Asphalt, bitumen, sand and some tiles get extremely hot and retain the day's heat. These surfaces can burn your dog’s paw pads. If possible, only walk your dog on grassed areas. If your dog begins limping, refuses to walk, has blisters or redness on their pads then it is likely they have burned their pad. You should consult your vet for treatment. Shade Whilst cats and dogs can move around and seek cool shady spots, small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and caged birds cannot. You must make sure that any caged animals are not placed in direct sunlight. In extreme heat, bring them indoors if at all possible, or place the cage on a covered, ventilated verandah. If your pets are outdoors make sure they always have adequate shaded areas. Remember the sun moves and therefore so does the shade. Large trees or a tarpaulin will provide shade and ventilation. Ventilation is vital to staying cool. A doghouse is not suitable in as there is no provision for air-flow and ventilation.  For outdoor pets, even those that aren’t house trained, give them access to an indoor area such as a laundry, bathroom or kitchen for the day or at least for regular intervals throughout the day. It is best that kittens and puppies be indoors at all times during hot weather.  Sunburn Just as we can get sunburned, so can white-haired, fair-skinned and thin-haired animals. And just like us, animals get sun cancer. Grab some specialist pet sunscreen (others may be toxic to pets if licked, ingested or absorbed through their skin) and put some on the sensitive parts of your pet that have little hair coverage or thinner skin such as the nose, tips of the ears, belly and groin. A Cool Spot to Lay their Head You can make their bed or favourite spot extra cool too. Wrap an ice pack in a sock, cloth or towel, or fill a hot water bottle with cool water for your pet to lay on. Soak cloths and towels in water, place them in the freezer for 30 minutes or so, then put them on the floor for your pet to lay on if they want to. Cats and dogs will love to spread out on any cool tiled surfaces and cats in particular will head for a dry porcelain bathtub or sink.    Image credit Cool, Calm and Collected It's very imporrtant that pets do no overdo exercise and activity in hot weather. Keep your pet calm and relaxed so they don’t overheat or dehydrate. Ask children to leave the pets alone and not to excite the animals. It's a great idea to have everyone read a book or watch television so that pets can sit and laze about during a heatwave.  Water Fun and Cooling Down If it is a particularly hot day or your pet seems to be struggling to stay cool, wet their feet and lightly spray water onto their face using a mister. This will be suitable for dogs, cats, ferrets, poultry and caged birds. Remember to use a light spray setting as many cats do not like getting wet and birds should not have their feathers saturated. Many dogs might enjoy a spray with the garden hose or play time under the sprinkler.  Dogs and cats can be covered with towels and cloths dampened with cool water to help reduce their body temperature. Make sure you leave their head and mouth uncovered so breathing is not restricted. You can buy special cooling body wraps, vests and mats that can be soaked in water and remain cool for longer periods. Cats, rabbits and guinea pigs can be gently stroked and pat using a dampened cloth. A bottle of frozen water left in the cage for a rabbit and guinea pig will allow them to lean against it and regulate their body temperature.  If your pet enjoys water then a cool bath will help them cope on hot days. Another option is to leave a shallow kid’s wading pool in the shade for your dog to paddle and lay in. For small dogs you can use a large, shallow plastic container.  If you take your dog to a pool, beach, lake or river for a refreshing dip always keep them within view, do not leave them unsupervised and be aware of any currents, riptides and marine craft. You may want to consider a life vest for your dog which will provide extra buoyancy if they tire or experience trouble when swimming.  Image credit Pets in Cars There is one simple rule and that is DON’T EVER DO IT. Never leave your pet in a car on a hot day, not even with the windows down and not even for a short while. Your pet is far more sensitive to the heat and they will not cope with the added heat stress of being in a car. In as little as 20 minutes a car’s temperature can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius when the ambient temperature is 80F/26C.  In high temperatures, animals can suffer irreversible organ damage, brain damage or die in just 15 minutes. So again the rule is DON'T EVER DO IT.  Heatstroke/Heat Exhaustion All pet owners need to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Very young, elderly, sick and overweight pets are at particular risk. Keep a careful eye on dog breeds with short muzzles as they experience more difficulty breathing in extreme heat. If you notice any of the following signs move the animal to a cool area, allow them to drink water in small amounts, reduce their body temperature with a hose or wet towel (not covering their head or mouth) and apply ice packs to their head, neck and chest. You need to take them to a vet immediately. Excessive panting Disorientation, dizziness or lack of coordination Agitation Glazed eyes Rapid heartbeat Breathing difficulties Lethargy or unresponsiveness Fever and skin that is hot to the touch Excessive salivation or drooling Red or purple tongue Vomiting Seizure

Fleas are bad - very bad - and ticks are even worse! Fleas don’t just irritate cats and dogs, driving them barking (or meowing) mad with excessive itching and biting, they also spread diseases which can transmit to people. Ticks, especially the paralysis tick, can be fatal. Fleas have a four-stage life cycle: adult, egg, larva and pupa. These nasty little parasites bite, feed and breed on your pet. An adult female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day. Once your pet and home is infested, it is difficult to banish fleas entirely.  Brown ticks and paralysis ticks are dangerous to pets of all ages. Tick saliva has toxins that are passed on when they suck blood from your pet. These toxins irritate your pet’s skin, cause dermatitis and anaemia and can even lead to paralysis or death. Ticks also carry Lyme disease. Therefore, it is essential that you regularly protect your pet from fleas and ticks.  Frontline is a very fast acting and effective prevention for fleas, flea eggs and larvae, biting lice and ticks. On fleas, Frontline acts on three important reproductive stages, therefore successfully destroying their lifecycle. The ingredient fipronil affects adult fleas, lice and ticks, and methoprene affects the flea eggs and larvae. Frontline begins woking immediately to attack the parasite’s central nervous system, paralysing then killing them. Frontline can also be used to treat Flea Alergy Dermatitis.  There are a range of Frontline products suitable for cats and dogs that can be applied either monthly or bi-monthly. The dosage for dogs is dependent on the dog’s weight. The treatment comes in pipettes which is squeezed through your pet’s hair directly onto their skin between the shoulder blades where it can’t be licked. Avoid getting Frontline in your pet’s eyes or allowing them to ingest it. Frontline Plus and >Frontline Combo are different brand names for the same product.  After 24 hours, Frontline is distributed entirely over your pet’s skin and hair via their oil glands. Once spread, Frontline is water resistant though it is advised that you do not shampoo your pet for 48 hours after treatment. For paralysis tick control, you should continue to carefully check your pet for infestation, particularly during tick season. You may need to apply treatment every two weeks during this time. Refer to instructions on the packaging.  Side Effects Frontline is a tested and safe treatment for cats and dogs. When used as directed, dangerous side effects are rare. It is intended for use on kittens and puppies over 8 weeks of age and can be used on pregnant or lactating animals. You will need to talk to your vet prior to use if your pet is on medication, has a weakened immune system, is sick, aged or if you are already using other pesticide. There may be temporary redness or skin irritation at the site of application for 1-2 days which will cause your pet to itch or scratch. Some lack of appetite and diarrhoea may also occur. Your pet may drool if they lick the treatment before it has dried. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it could be a sign of an allergy so consult your vet.  Any adverse reactions or side effects using Frontline are usually due to incorrect administration or dosage. However, all pets are individuals and may be hypersensitive or allergic to the ingredients. If you notice any of the following side effects take your pet to the vet immediately:  Swelling particularly of the face, lips and tongue Rash or hives Lethargy Vomiting or severe/lengthy diarrhoea Excessive salivation Uncoordinated movements Seizure  Unresponsiveness or coma Feature image credit  

There’s no doubt that pets enrich our lives. Science is proving that forming a close bond with an animal makes us happier, reduces stress and improves our overall health and wellbeing. But what are the motivators to having a pet in the first place, or how do we view their purpose in our household? Having a pet is a commitment. Whatever the kind of animal, all pets cost money, require time, effort and responsibility and can impact on your plans and life choices. So why do so many of us, approximately 63% of US and Australian households, willingly sign up for pets? Companionship Companionship is still the main reason that people want pets - and that's pets of all sorts, from four-legged furballs to the most exotic birds & parrots. Pets ease loneliness, offer comfort and provide unconditional love. Almost all people say thath their pet is a part of the family.  Structure and routine Pets require routine caring. Many people like or need this type of structure and purpose to their life. It makes them feel needed, valued and can be very satisfying. Pets are a wonderful reason to get out of bed and get on with enjoying the day. Meaning Sharing your life with a pet can provide meaning and bring a sense of fulfilment. It’s very rewarding to be involved in the life of another and being a major reason for their happiness; or indeed reason for their being in the case of shelter, rescue and adopted animals.  Safety This does depend on the kind of animal, although we have met some pretty protective guinea pigs in our time! A dog in the home can deter unwelcome visitors and when on walks can make sure that any unfriendly people keep their distance.    Image credit For children Many parents view pets as a great way to teach children invaluable lessons about responsibility and compassion, or, to provide children with a friend for life. When reflecting on childhood pets, people will often say they considered their pet as a sibling, a best friend or confidante. Pets encourage children to play, be active and treat others with kindness and respect. Exercise and sociability Again, this depends on the kind of animal, but some people have pets as a reason to introduce exercise into their day. Dogs in particular need outdoor activity such as walking and visiting parks, rivers, lakes and beaches. In various cities, such as Hong Kong and others throughout Asia, people will take their caged birds to parks so that the birds have time outside and interact with other birds. Pets promote socialising, conversation and new friendships amongst owners, especially when joining a group associated with your pet.    Image credit Hobby or interest For some, their love extends to wanting to show the world how special their pet is. These people enjoy the work, thrill and competition of the breed or agility show circuit. Whether being judged on beauty and breed characteristics or herding sheep, competitions prioritise the welfare of the animals involved. Joy Not much in the world is able to bring more joy to either an adult or child than watching and frolicking with a pet. Pets are fun, funny and encourage playfulness. For a lot of people, this is reason enough.    Image credit Feature image credit  

Heartworm disease is the leading cause of death in dogs so preventing it is at the top of the priority list for any dog lover. Heartworm is carried by mosquitoes so infections are very easily spread. An untreated worm infestation will damage your dog's heart and respiratory tract and can lead to heart failure. Thankfully, there are easy and very effective preventative treatments available such as ProHeart. ProHeart comes in tablet form and is administered once a month to dogs over 4 weeks of age. There are different dosages corresponding to your dog’s weight. As long as the correct dosage is given as directed, then your little bundle of four-legged joy can continue to bound along happily free of any heartworm trouble.  Before starting any heartworm prevention course you will need to consult your vet. This is a great way to confirm your dog’s weight and correct dosage, but more importantly, your dog will need to be checked to see if heartworm is already present. There can be severe reactions, similar to toxic shock, if preventative medication is given to dogs already infected. Also, adult worms that die may remain in the heart, lungs or pulmonary artery and interrupt or obstruct functionality. ProHeart is a preventative measure and does not treat existing heartworm infections.  Heartworm Heartworm inhabit the animal's lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries causing tissue inflammation, blood clotting, thickening of blood vessel walls, heart failure or death. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites your dog, the heatworm larvae (microfilariae) are transferred and migrate through the dog's tissue and circulatory system to the lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries. There the larvae feed on blood and grow to maturity. The signs of a heartworm infection include coughing, shortness of breath, respiratory sounds, fainting, lethargy, weight loss, blood present in the saliva or mucus, abdominal swelling, vomiting and loss of appetite. ProHeart ProHeart’s active ingredient is moxidectin which will paralyse and kill any parasitic larvae that has infected the dog during the previous month. The dosage of moxidectin contained in the tablets is low and therefore side effects are very rare. It is safe to use ProHeart on all sizes and breeds, puppies older than 4 weeks and breeding dogs. The recommended dose of moxidectin in ProHeart of 3 mcg/kg (1.36 mcg/lb) body weight was 100% effective in preventing the development of a one month-old heartworm infection.  Consult your vet before treating with ProHeart any sick, debilitated, elderly, underweight dogs or those that have a history of weight loss and allergies.  As with any medication, there is the potential for unpleasant side effects or adverse drug reactions for dogs that have an individual sensitivity or allergy. Testing has shown that ProHeart is extremely safe and well tolerated when administered as directed.  Sensitive Breeds Some dog breeds have a mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1) making them more sensitive to moxidectin. This gene mutation occurs mostly in breeds such as Collies, Long-haired Whippets, Australian Shepherds, McNab, English and German Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs and Silken Windhounds. ProHeart has been found suitable and safe for use on these breeds. The only way to know whether your dog is affected by the MDR-1 mutation is for a vet to run tests. If you know your dog has the mutation, than consult your vet before starting any heartworm prevention.  Any adverse side effects that do arise are usually a result from an incorrect dosage being administered or hypersensitivity. If you notice any of the following reactions, take your dog to the vet immediately: Lethargy  Loss of appetite or thirst Vomiting Diarrhoea  Hives Depression Excessive Saliva Ataxia (uncoordinated movements) Difficulty or laboured breathing Oedema (fluid retention and swelling) Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) Low body temperature Disorientation Trembling or muscle twitching Dilation of the pupils Blindness Coma Heartworm disease is the number one killer of dogs and ProHeart is a trialled and tested preventative treatment approved for dogs of all sizes and breeds, puppies, breeding and stud dogs. It’s an effective and easy tablet given each month to ensure that your dog remains protected.  Feature image credit  

When people make the decision to bring a dog or cat into their lives, they are welcoming that new pet as a member of the family. Unlike our family members though, dogs and cats do not have long lifespans. The impact pets can have the family dynamic is unmistakable. For adults, a pet can be a critical companion that is always there with a wet tongue and wagging tail at the end of the day.    For children, a dog or cat is a playmate and partner in crime. When the time comes that a pet passes away, the manner in which people grieve is going to differ. While adults have perhaps dealt with death in the past, many children may have their first experience with death when the family pet dies. So how can adults help children cope with the loss of a pet?    Prepare their minds Many older pets eventually leave their families through the process of euthanasia. Often referred to as "putting an animal to sleep," this concept can be very difficult for children to understand. As an adult it is easy to sympathize with the needs of an aging animal whose daily life is so hard that euthanasia is the best path.    For children however, coping with the concept of euthanasia is different. Parents should take the step of preparing their children for what will happen in the process of euthanasia. This doesn't mean sharing with them the details of the process, but rather using age-appropriate language to express the finality of euthanasia.    Be considerate of their emotions and age level, but make sure to let them know that this step is final. Their beloved pet won't wake up or return later, and unless that is clear it can create confusion in children.    Watch for signs of grief Once children have been prepared for the loss of their pet and have seen their pet for the final time, it is important to be aware of potential signs of grief. Just because the process was explained to them doesn't mean that they will easily process the loss and handle the grief. In the short term, depressed moods, acting out, or general gloominess are to expected.    What parents really need to watch for are long term signs of grief. Long term grief will differ based upon a child's age and their level of attachment to a pet, but some of the signs to watch for include:   ·         No longer interested in usual activities ·         Withdrawn from friends and family ·         Regression - particularly in relation to potty-training and bed wetting ·         Nightmares  ·         Fear of sleep  ·         Extra fixation on death     Parents that notice these signs in their children should act quickly to help their kids cope in a healthier manner. School psychologists, ministers, or counselors are all excellent sources of assistance in helping children develop better coping mechanisms.    With time comes healing The biggest mistake adults can make is belittling the connection a child had with a pet. Help them remember their lost pet fondly and reinforce the value of the human-animal bond they shared together while the pet was a member of the family. Additionally, be careful about getting new pets too soon.    Introducing a new pet into the family may leave the child feeling like their former pet is being replaced. This can lead to disinterest or even maltreatment of the new pet. Do not rush into any decision regarding a new pet until children have had time to heal first. When the time comes, adults should include children in the decision with the clear understanding that this new pet is not a replacement. Feature image credit

Revolution vs Advantage? Frontline or Heartgard? How do these flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal worm treatment products stack up? Here's a side by side comparison of the most popular names in pet treatment products - which is right for you? For high resolution image, click here Remember that product availability will depend on your region. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for the right product for your pet.  IMPORTANT: The information has been compiled and sourced by Petbucket directly from the manufacturers' websites. While all efforts have been taken to verify the claims, the accuracy of the information may be out of date. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian before trying a new product for your pet.