Everyone knows the annoyance and distress that fleas cause our canine friends, and the danger of paralysis or death that ticks can lead to. Parasites such as fleas, mosquitoes, lice, sand flies, biting flies and ticks spread disease when they bite and suck blood, so it is important not to just kill them, but to also prevent them from biting and feeding in the first place.  Advantix is a powerful preventative and parasiticide that affects the nervous system of these nasty little bloodsuckers, paralysing then killing them. Advantix combines the active ingredient imidacloprid used to control adult and larval fleas in the trusted and popular treatment Advantage, with permethrin, one of the most effective pyrethroids - a type of insecticide that also works as a repellant or anti-feeding measure.  Used monthly, Advantix is applied directly to the dog’s skin at the neck, or for large dogs the dosage is spread out to four points along the back. The solution is then distributed via the dog’s oil glands throughout the skin, covering the entire body within 24 hours to provide weeks of protection. Any fleas surrounding the application area will be killed within five minutes and most fleas die within 12 hours. Advantix still kills 90 per cent of ticks after 28 days and up to 95 per cent of mosquitoes are repelled from biting. Advantix has been specifically developed for dogs and is not intended for cats or other animals. In fact, it is poisonous to cats and can be fatal to them if ingested. Any treated dog should be separated from cats until the solution dries, in case the cat grooms and licks the application area.  It’s not just discomfort  Fleas are the number one cause of skin disease in pets. In addition to the itchiness and aggravation they unleash, flea infestations can produce redness, sores, scaly skin and odour for dogs. Fleas also transmit tapeworm and some dogs have Flea Allergy Dermatitis, an allergic reaction to flea bites.  Canine Vector-Borne Diseases, or CVBD, describes diseases that are transmitted through blood-feeding parasites. Common ones include Lyme disease (form of arthritis) and borreliosis, bartonellosis, ehrlichiosis (attacks host’s white blood cells), babesiosis and anaplasmosis (attacks host’s red blood cells), leishmaniosis (ulcers) and rickettsiosis (spotted fever). These can develop into very serious health problems if left untreated. By also working as a repellant, Advantix reduces the risk or parasite’s biting and feeding, and therefore reduces the risk of disease for your dog. Side Effects Advantix is a safe treatment but just like us, each dog has an individual tolerance or sensitivity to medications and may be hypersensitive or allergic. Although extremely rare when Advantix is used at the recommended dosage, if your dog has an adverse reaction consult your vet immediately.  Do not use Advantix on puppies younger than seven weeks and talk to your vet before administering it if you are already using other flea and tick control products or to any aged, medicated, sick and debilitated dogs (particularly those with heart, liver or kidney disease). And remember, keep Advantix away from your dog’s eyes and mouth and it is DEFINITELY NOT for cats. Skin Irritation The most common side effect is some minor skin irritation at the application point such redness, itching, skin discolouration, rash, an oily appearance or some hair loss. These irritations are usually temporary and may also subside after washing your dog (Advantix is waterproof from 48 hours after application but a bath could ease any irritation). However, if these irritations worsen or persist, then consult your vet.  Serious Side Effects Serious side effects with Advantix are extremely rare. The following can be indications of overdosing/toxicity or an allergic reaction so consult your vet immediately if you notice any of these -  Drooling - This may occur if your dog licks the area of application as Advantix has a bitter taste to discourage ingestion, but drooling can also result from overdosing or an allergic reaction. Lethargy A marked increase or decrease in body temperature Vomiting or diarrhoea Incoordination Excitability Seizures The most important thing is to always follow the dosage recommendations and directions on the label. Advantix is available in different dosages depending on the weight of your dog so make sure you use the correct one. Athough it is safe, have a talk with your vet if your dog is pregnant or lactating before use. Advantix is also waterproof so after 48 hours from application you can bathe your dog as normal. However, if your dog is a real water lover then re-application within the month may be necessary.  Monthly treatment with Advantix will keep your dog free of fleas, ticks, lice, mosquitoes as well as sand and biting flies. Not only will these parasites be killed, but they’ll be prevented from biting, feeding and spreading diseases. You’ll be happy knowing that your dog is safe, but they’ll be even happier with their comfortable, carefree and now itch-free lifestyle.   

Image credit While you might think it's harmless to slip your cat a little piece of your dinner or to feed them some of your food as part of one of their meals, the shocking truth is that many human foods are dangerous to cats. Here are eight foods that you should never let your cat eat.    1. Garlic and onion They are common ingredients found in many sauces, soups and many other dishes, but pieces of garlic or onion can cause serious damage if ingested by a cat. They both have an adverse influence on the cat's blood cells, and can lead to the development of anemia (which, in turn, causes weight loss, reduced interest in food, and widespread weakness). Whether fresh or powdered, garlic and onion should be kept far away from your pet.   2. Raw fish If your cat manages to get hold of a morsel of raw fish, there will probably be no serious consequences. However, if this happens on a regular basis then your pet can develop a vitamin B deficiency that causes weight loss and an increased (but unproductive) appetite. Fish should always be cooked before it reaches a cat's mouth.   Image credit    3. Chocolate Unlike dogs, most cats are not at all interested in eating any chocolate. However, a cat may show interest in a cookie or piece of cake that contains chocolate, and your pet should never be allowed to ingest anything that has chocolate as an ingredient. Chocolate is a source of a chemical called theobromine that is toxic to cats, causing seizures, heart rhythm disorders and even death.    4. Dairy foods Most cats are very interested in lapping up milk or munching cheese, but (contrary to the stereotype) many of them are actually lactose intolerant. If your cat cannot digest dairy foods, painful episodes of vomiting and diarrhea may follow.   Image credit    5. Grapes and raisins You may have heard that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, and it is vital to be aware that the same is true for cats. While the mechanism of action is as yet unclear, there have been many cases in which cats that have ingested grapes or raisins have developed acute kidney failure. In some cases, this condition can be fatal.    6. Mushrooms Some cats will tolerate them without problems. However, there is no way of predicting your pet's reaction, and the toxicity of mushrooms can be life-threatening for some cats.   Image credit    7. Tomatoes Ripe tomatoes are unlikely to cause huge problems for a cat, but unripe or green tomatoes can cause abdominal cramps, episodes of diarrhea, and even heart problems. The safest move is therefore to prevent your cat from ingesting any tomato.    8. Caffeine Finally, some cats will show interest in licking the rim of a cup that contains tea, coffee, or an energy drink (like Red Bull or Relentless). Unfortunately, caffeine can be very dangerous to your cat, even in very small amounts. It has been known to cause breathing difficulties, and abnormal heart rhythm and fits.

Image credit The old adage that prevention is better than a cure is never more true, or more important, than with your pet and worm treatments. Roundworm, hookworm and heartworm are easily transferred via mosquitoes or faeces and therefore commonly affect our pets. If left untreated, worms can spread and grow, creating serious complications to your pet’s intestinal and respiratory systems. A worm infestation can lead to severe digestive problems, heart failure and even death for your pet.  Worms can also be transferred to humans so it is essential that you have an effective worming care plan. Protection against infection needs to be carried out regularly. Luckily Heartgard Plus is a monthly, easy to administer, very safe and proven treatment for worm control. It prevents worms developing to the dangerous adult stage and is available for both dogs for cats.  It’s highly likely that every puppy or dog has been exposed to worms. Puppies need to be wormed every two weeks until 12 weeks of age and lactating females should also be treated. Dogs over 12 weeks old require frequent treatment for the rest of their lives.  Heartgard Plus is available in different dosages for animals of different weights. It comes as a chewable and deliciously tasty tablet (or so I’ve observed). The dosage is designed to be chewed, rather than swallowed whole so you can always break it up and add it to your pet’s food if needed. You’ll need to make sure your pet consumes the entire dose, so observe them during administration and for a short time afterwards. It is very important that you talk to your vet before beginning any treatment for heartworm. Not just to verify the correct dosage, but there can be severe reactions, similar to toxic shock, in animals who already have heartworm infections and are then given heartworm medication. Your dog will need to be tested, and if infected, adult heartworms and larvae (microfilariae) treated before beginning any course of worm control. If you’re currently enjoying a nice meal, it’s best you put your meal aside for now as we take a closer look at these ghastly, villainous little worms. Roundworm Roundworms (ascarids) are the most common worms affecting dogs and cats. Virtually every puppy is infected with roundworms at birth or become infected via their mother’s milk.  Adult worms are found in the intestine and can grow 2-3mm wide and up to 20cm long. Roundworms cause diarrhoea and vomiting, weight loss, poor growth, a pot-bellied appearance and lethargy. If left untreated or in severe cases, pneumonia and obstruction of the intestine or digestive system can occur. In infected animals, the adult worms lay eggs that are then expelled in faeces. Other animals become infected by ingesting contaminated soil or eating other infected animals such as mice, rodents or birds. The eggs then hatch in the animal’s stomach, feeding on content found here and develop into egg-laying adults. Roundworm larvae and adults can also be found in other organs such as the liver and lungs but generally remain in the digestive system.  Hookworm Hookworms are another intestinal parasite that most commonly affect young dogs and cats. The worms attach to the host animal's intestinal lining and feed on blood, tissue and fluid. As with roundworm, larvae and adult egg-laying worms live in the intestine. Some larvae attach to other organs and can be particularly problematic for your pet if they migrate through the respiratory system.  Hookworm eggs are expelled in the animal’s faeces. Dogs and cats can be infected by ingesting contaminated soil or from larvae penetrating the skin. Puppies can also be infected through their mother’s milk. Bloody diarrhoea is a common symptom of hookworm. Other signs of infection are intestinal upset, pale gums, weight loss, stunted growth and poor coat condition. Serious loss of blood and anaemia can result from large numbers of worms being present or in puppies. In extreme cases this can lead to death. Heartworm Heartworm is the deadliest of all parasites and although infection is more common in dogs, cats are also susceptible. The worms inhabit the animal's lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries and can cause heart failure or death. Puppies should begin heartworm prevention by at least 12 weeks of age.  Primarily it is actually the lungs that are affected by heartworm but the heart, circulatory system and even liver and kidneys may also be damaged. The symptoms indicating 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. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and when an infected mosquito bites another animal, the heatworm larvae (microfilariae) are transferred. These larvae migrate through tissue and the host animal's circulatory system to the lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries, feed on blood and grow to maturity, some worms can reach 30cm in length and 2cm in width. Heartworm larvae can survive in the bloodstream of a host animal for two years.  Heartworms will lead to the inflammation of tissue, blood clotting and the thickening of blood vessel walls. The animal’s blood pressure rises and cardiac strain is increased.  There are very serious side effects if a dog is treated with prevention medicine and is already infected with heartworm. Side Effects As with any medication, there is the potential for unpleasant side effects and the possibility of individual sensitivities for some pets. However, tests show that Heartgard Plus is safe and well tolerated when used correctly, having a very low incidence of digestive and neurological side effects.  Heartgard Plus uses ivermectin which causes paralysis and death to the parasitic worms. The dosage of ivermectin contained in Heartgard is relatively low, with little risk of side effects. As mentioned, it is vital that you do not start a worming program prior to having your pet checked for the presence of heartworm.  Check the dosage required for your pet as serious side effects often result from a larger dose being administered than recommended. If the dosage given is correct and you notice any of the side effects listed below take your pet to the vet immediately. Digestive Problems. The most common side effect associated with Heartgard Plus is digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In clinical field trials, vomiting or diarrhoea within 24 hours of dosing was observed in only 1.1% of cases. Hypersalivation Depression and Lethargy. Depression, lethargy, lack of appetite and loss of interest in activities has been noticed in some pets. Lack of Coordination (Ataxia), Disorientation and Hind Leg Paralysis Stumbling, running into walls and furniture or paralysis could occur. Dilated Pupils (Mydriasis) or Blindness Crying, Agitation Low Body Temperature and Hypothermia Seizures and Muscle Tremors. Seizures, tremors and convulsions are very rare and may mean your pet has a particular sensitivity, the dosage is too high or that heartworm was already present.  Susceptible Breeds Some dog breeds have a mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1) making them more sensitive to ivermectin at very elevated dose levels (16 times more than the recommended level). In trials, no adverse reactions were observed in dogs at ten times the Heartgard recommended dose. This gene mutation is known to occur most commonly in breeds such as Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shelties and Long-haired Whippets. The level of ivermectin used for heartworm prevention is generally safe and at a low level suitable for these dogs. You can talk to your vet about testing your dog for the gene mutation. When dosage and treatment instructions are followed, Heartgard Plus is a safe and effective worming care plan. It is approved for animals as young as 6 weeks and pregnant or lactating cats and dogs. Administering the medication is as simple as giving your pet a chewable treat each month. The packaging also has a calendar so you will never lose track of where you are up to. Peace of mind has never been so easy. 

Image credit Vitiligo is a rare condition that results in unusual coat patterns in dogs. Affected dogs display white splattering or overall fading of an otherwise dark coat. Whilst it is classified as a ‘disease’ it is not a life-threatening condition. Animals with vitiligo do not suffer pain or health issues other than an increased susceptibility to sunburn in de-pigmented areas. Symptoms may first manifest in puppyhood, but generally vitiligo has a later onset, with adult dogs spontaneously exhibiting white-coloured patches. The causes of vitiligo remain mysterious. It is thought to derive from antibodies mistakenly targeting melanin, which is responsible for skin coloration.   Image credit The condition cannot be ‘caught’ as such due to the strong genetic component. It is common for a number of animals in a certain bloodline to display the unique coloration. As such, a number of breeds are more likely to be affected, including German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Belgian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Old English Sheepdogs and Dachshunds. It can however appear in dogs of all breeds. Vitiligo appears in other species as well. Approximately 1% of the human population is diagnosed with the condition.   Due to the condition’s mysterious causes, no treatment options exist. However for unknown reasons, skin re-pigmentation may occur as quickly vitiligo markings appeared.    Image credit  The extent to which the condition manifests varies. Commonly, depigmentation begins in the nose and eye areas. In some cases, the depigmentation stops there. Such dogs are described as having ‘snow noses’. In other cases, the entire body turns white. Sometimes even the retina (inside of the eyeball) will discolour. Diagnosis can be conducted visually by a vet, however a skin scaping test may also be necessary to ensure the condition is from vitiligo and not a number of other skin infections that can cause similar fading. 

Image credit There have been amazing advances in the field of veterinary medicine, including many new medications to treat both chronic and acute illnesses. One thing has not changed, however, and that is the difficulty many pet owners face when trying to get their dogs to take a pill.    Dogs are very food-oriented, but they are also very cautious. That caution helped protect their canine ancestors, who needed to remain alert for poisons and other harmful substances. In the modern world, however, that natural caution often stands in the way and prevents our canine companions from getting the medication they need to get well and stay well.    If you have recently come home from the veterinarian with a prescription or a vial of pills, you will need to think about how best to get that medication into your dog. There are a number of tricks you can use to get your dog to take its medication, and you may need to do some experimenting to see which method works the best.    No matter which method you use, you will need to watch and make sure your dog really does swallow the pill you give it. Dogs are sneaky, and they often appear to take their medication, only to drop it off in a hidden corner of the room. Taking a quick survey of the room and looking for lost pills will help make sure your dog gets the medicine it needs.    The Lunchmeat Trick One of the simplest ways to get your dog to take its pill is to wrap it in a piece of lunchmeat. This trick is well known to many dog owners, and it can work surprisingly well. The lunchmeat trick is best suited to dogs who are very food-oriented. If your dog tends to gulp its food and eat very quickly, wrapping the pill in a favorite treat can be very effective.    Pill Pockets The pill pocket is a variation on the old lunchmeat trick, and it can work very well for dogs who have caught on to the older trick. Pill pockets are specially designed to disguise the pill so that dogs cannot sense either its size or shape. Pill pockets are available at many pet stores, and it is a good idea for dog owners to keep a few on hand. If your dog loves to eat, you should be able to get it to take its pill with a pill pocket.    Pill Gun If you cannot sneak a pill to your dog by hiding it in food, a pill gun may be a better solution. With a pill gun, you simply place the medication in the device, place the end of the pill gun in the dog's mouth and press a plunger. The pill gun essentially shoots the pill down your dog's throat, making it easier to get the medication into your dog. It can take some practice to learn how to use the gun, and you will need to watch to make sure the dog does indeed swallow the pill.    Paste Medications If none of the above options work, you may need to look for another solution. Many popular pet medications, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory treatments, are available in paste form. Paste medications are often easier for your dog to take. Some are even flavored to make them more enticing. Since the paste is sticky, your dog will not be able to spit it out or avoid it. If your dog is reluctant to take pills, you can ask your vet if the medication is available in paste form instead.

Image credit It’s true, honestly Jon Snow you can not stop your beloved pets from fleas and lice simply by wrapping them up in cotton wool… coats that is. Oh brave, handsome, silly Jon Snow. Luckily for Jon and the rest of us, leading treatment Advantage is readily available. It can be used on dogs, 7 weeks or older, and cats 8 weeks or older, as well as rabbits and ferrets. It is also safe for pregnant and lactating animals. Make sure you talk to your vet if your pet is on medication, if other pesticides are already being used, or if your pet is underweight, elderly or debilitated. Advantage works as a paralytic to rapidly kill adult fleas and larvae (not the eggs) and therefore breaks the lifecycle of our pets’ most hated foes. Once applied, the nervous system of fleas and lice is attacked. They are paralysed and die only minutes from coming into contact with Advantage - they don’t even have to bite your pet to be affected. Fleas will stop biting within five minutes of the application, and will be dead within 20 minutes of contact. Advantage kills 98-100% of existing fleas within 12 hours of application and will destroy 99% of flea larvae in the pet's surroundings.  Advantage is easy to use and remains effective for a month. It is even waterproof so will still work after bathing, swimming, extensive puddle or mud rolling (you know who you are!) or for those wet weather loving, storm chasing pets.  It is applied through the coat to the dog or cat’s skin and spreads throughout the skin’s oily layer. There are a range of dosages available that depend upon the weight of your pet. Ensure you purchase the correct dosage for your pet and that all directions are followed accurately. Weigh your pet or ask your vet to weigh them - don’t simply guess and apply the dosage you think is correct. Advantage is an external treatment and must not get into the pet’s eyes or mouth. For small and medium dogs, it is placed out of licking reach on the back between the shoulder blades, and for a cat at the base of the skull. For large dogs over 25kg, the dosage is divided between the shoulder blades, on the back between the hips and at another point in the middle.  As with any medical treatment, there may be a small portion of animals with individual sensitivities. Always monitor your pet immediately after application and for a few days after. If there are signs of any adverse reaction or if your pet’s health worsens, consult a vet immediately.   Image credit Hair loss and skin irritations Minor skin irritation is common at the site of application, especially if it is your pet’s first ever treatment. Stiffening or the damp appearance of hair, itchiness, redness or pinkish skin may occur but these are temporary side effects. Occasionally hair loss also occurs. This is usually a one-off and hair will grow back within 1-2 weeks. If the hair loss spreads or doesn’t grow back then consult your vet. Animals with sensitive skin may develop sores that can bleed if scratched, split or open and then become infected. Check the application site regularly and if these symptoms occur visit your vet.  Medicinal odour A low incidence of owners have noticed that their pet has a medicinal-type odour after treatment. This is not dangerous or harmful and will only last a few days to a week after application. Contact with eyes If your pet manages to get the treatment in their eyes, flush their eyes immediately with plenty of water and consult with your vet.   Rare and serious side effects Serious side effects are rare, usually only occurring in animals with individual sensitivities or allergies to the product’s active ingredients or are a result of accidental ingestion or a mistake in the use of the product.The signs should be noticeable quickly and in all circumstances, immediate veterinary attention is needed if you notice any of the following:  Loss of apetite, increase in thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea or drooling - Remember to apply Advantage as directed, out of reach of your pet’s mouth. The product has a bitter taste that should discourage licking and ingestion. If enough is ingested, it can cause stomach upsets and loss of appetite. Vomiting, diarrhoea, excess salivation, drooling and an increase in thirst indicate excessive ingestion or an adverse reaction.   Pupil dilation, eye irritation or increased tear production   Breathing difficulties, ataxia (movement problems), stumbling, trembling or seizures   Abnormal sleeping, lethargy or non-responsiveness   Odd behaviour, depression or hyperactivity As mentioned, severe reactions are considered to be very rare with Advantage when it is applied as per instructions. As an extra precaution, it is best to observe and separate treated animals for 30-60 minutes to ensure that they do not lick their own application site or that of other animals. Otherwise, Advantage is an extremely easy and effective treatment to make sure your beloved pet doesn’t become high-rise living for fleas and lice.   

The popular phrase "you are what you eat" applies to dogs as much as it does to humans. Your pet gets much-needed nutrients from dog food, but the wrong additives and other components can lead to health problems. Here is a look at four ingredients to avoid when shopping for your dog's food. Take a look at the bag currently in your pantry and keep an eye out the next time you hit up the pet care aisle.    1. Corn The country's number one crop, corn is cheap and easy to add to most foods-including dog food. Unfortunately, your pup won't actually get any nutritional benefits from eating corn, so you can view its presence in dog food as a cheap filler. In fact, dogs don't actually need to eat carbohydrates at all, so a diet that is too high in starches can lead to problems like obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Take a look at your dog food label, and you might see several different forms of corn, including corn meal, corn gluten meal, corn bran, and corn cellulose. None of these ingredients are beneficial and all of them should be avoided when possible.      2. Generic Meat Terms Be careful when buying food that lists its meaty ingredients in generic terms. If the label says "poultry" or "fish" instead of specifying what specific animals the meat comes from, then you can truly have no idea what you're feeding your dog. You should also avoid food that simply lists "liver" as an ingredient. While certain types of liver have great nutritional value for your pet, others are just low quality meat. As a general rule, if the dog food label is too vague, you can take it as a sign that you should be looking elsewhere.     Image credit   3. Meat By-Products The leftover scraps of meat that are deemed unsafe or unpalatable for human consumption are labeled as by-products, and many of them are sent to pet food factories. The problem with by-products however, is that you will never know where they came from or why they were rejected as acceptable human food. These components could come from parts of the animal like the brain, lungs, kidneys, blood, or bones-only some of which actually have any nutritional value, while others are just downright dangerous for your dog to be eating. They may also have been thrown out at the meat processing plant because they came from animals that were diseased or dying. Put simply, your pet deserves real meat rather than these by-products.     4. Animal Fat Just like the other generic "meat" terms, you will often see "animal fat" listed among dog food ingredients. While not all fat is bad-in fact, some fat is necessary to provide your dog with essential omega fatty acids. You should seek out labels that specify chicken fat, pork fat, or vegetable oils. As always, it's best to know exactly where your dog's nutrients are coming from, and you are taking too big of a risk if you leave it up to chance.   Image credit  

Receiving a diagnosis of liver failure for your furry friend is an extremely distressing event for the entire family. Knowing that your dog is in pain and unable to perform every tasks such as eating, drinking and going outside to the toilet is heart-breaking. Therefore, every owner wants to give the best possible care and treatment to their pet in their time of need. Liver disease is an extremely common disorder in older dogs and can be caused by a variety of reasons. Hepatitis, infection, anemia, inflammation of the pancreas and trauma can all result in liver failure which could prove fatal if left untreated. Fortunately there are many effective treatments available for different types of liver failure, and something as simple as changing your dog's diet can have a major impact on their recovery. Image credit Signs of Liver Disease  Dogs suffering from liver disease will most often appear tired and depressed. They may also start panting, vomiting, drinking excessively, refuse to settle, and you may start to notice their skin and the whites of their eyes turning yellow as the disease progresses. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, take him to a veterinarian immediately who will perform a series of diagnostic tests.   Importance of Diet  As the liver is responsible for detoxing the blood and producing the necessary chemicals required for digestion, a healthy diet is critical for dogs affected by liver disease. Many veterinarians and canine nutritionists now believe that the correct diet can make a huge difference and occasionally even reverse the effects of liver disease in certain cases.     Image credit   Natural Diet  One of the best ways to help your beloved pet regain their strength and repair their damaged liver is to feed them a diet packed with fresh, healthy produce. For an emergency detox diet, try different combinations of boiled potatoes, broccoli, green beans and cauliflower. After two to three days, start adding some animal proteins such as boiled eggs, white fish, cottage cheese, chicken breast and tuna. It is important to include plenty of protein in your dog's diet. Try feeding them several small meals a day rather than one large meal.   Prescription Diets  Many dog food manufacturers offer a wide range of prescription diets that are tailor-made for many different medical conditions. You can buy prescription dog food from veterinarians, pet shops, supermarkets or even order it online. Supplements such as milk thistle, zinc, and vitamins K, C, D and E are all great ways to support your dog's health and help them make a speedy recovery.   As well as making changes to your dog's diet, it is advisable to detox your home to ensure that your dog does not come into contact with any harmful chemicals that could make their condition worse. If you use pesticides or weed killer in your garden, make sure to keep your dog well away from any treated areas. Never allow your pet to come into contact with harsh cleaning products used in the home such as bleach or drain cleaner. Above all, try to keep your dog at a healthy weight and make sure they gets plenty of fresh air and exercise to ensure their long-term health.

As your pet cat advances in years, they will unfortunately become more prone to suffering from a range of different medical problems. However, the good news is that treatments are available for many of the common health problems found in elderly cats. If you want to increase the chances of helping your pet to maintain good health and quality of life well into old age, keep a look out for the symptoms of these major diseases and conditions.    Chronic renal failure Cats are anatomically predisposed to develop kidney disease and renal failure, during which the kidneys gradually become less effective at excreting waste. If your pet's renal health is declining, you might notice that their appetite is decreasing, they're becoming skinnier, they're drinking more, and is urinating more frequently. In some cases, lethargy and reserved behavior is also noted. By the time these symptoms present, most cats will have lost up to 70% of their kidney function, so many vets advise annual screenings for kidney disease. A yearly blood test can give your vet a picture of the cat's kidney health and allow you to plan ahead to slow any decline in function. There are dietary changes and supplements that can help older cats survive with kidney disease for many years.  Feline diabetes   In older age, your cat may lack the appropriate amount of insulin required for energy, or they might become resistant to normal amounts of insulin, leading to diabetes. Diabetic cats typically appear very hungry, thirstier, and more inclined to urinate on a regular basis. As with kidney disease, diabetes can also be detected through routine blood screenings. If you end up with a diabetic pet, you can feed them a special diet and their condition may be improved by regular insulin injections. If diagnosed at an early stage, diabetes is unlikely to have a huge impact on your cat's quality of life or life expectancy.      High blood pressure   Just like humans, cats are more likely to develop a wide range of further health problems if blood pressure levels get too high. In particular, high blood pressure can strain the cardiovascular system, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Kidney problems are also linked to chronic blood pressure problems and some cats will lose their vision as tiny blood vessels behind the eyes begin to be damaged by the pressure. As a result, it is always smart to talk to your vet about whether your cat's blood pressure should be tested. There are medications that relax the blood vessels in order to reduce the pressure within them, and there are dietary adjustments that can also help.   Hyperthyroidism   Once a cat is over ten years old, they become more likely to suffer from an excess of certain hormones that regulate metabolic rate. If your cat has hyperthyroidism, they may become very skinny within weeks or months (in spite of eating more enthusiastically than ever), show an increased need for water, and experience a fast heart rate. A straightforward blood test can tell you whether your cat has an overactive thyroid, and there are medications that help to compensate for the condition.    Image credit   Arthritis   Finally, although arthritic cats tend to have fewer treatment options than dogs, there are ways to help your cat if they develop this painful joint problem. If you notice that your cat is limping, displaying fear of jumping or moving, or flinching when touched in a specific area, your vet can examine them for arthritis. If a diagnosis is given, then fish oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help to boost blood flow and lower overall levels of inflammation, which can reduce pain.

Your dog is a cherished member of your family. Therefore, you usually have to treat your pet as you would handle a young child. The summer months typically entail more outdoor social activities, so you need to protect your animals from sun exposure and other risks, on holidays and every day.   Here are some of the most common risks and how to avoid them.   Sunscreen and Bug Repellent If your dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you'll want to protect him from the elements, namely insects and the sun. Keep your own health and beauty products out of your pet's reach, however. Do not use sunscreen intended for humans on your dog, since you risk skin irritation or even poisoning if he licks it off. Check with your vet to find an appropriate sun protection product for your pet. Likewise, there are shampoos and other skin treatments that also function as insect repellents. Be sure to use only those products recommended by your vet.   Alcohol Under no circumstances should you allow dogs to ingest alcohol. It is poisonous to them, and the consequences of letting them drink alcohol can range from minor illness and behavioral changes to unconsciousness and even death. If you're hosting friends and family for a summer get-together, be sure that guests do not leave any form of alcohol within your dog's reach.   Certain Foods Summer picnics and parties usually feature a range of tasty options...for humans. Do not be tempted to feed your dog scraps from the grill or any other foods not meant for their consumption. There are a number of foods that are toxic to domestic animals. You may be aware of some commonly-cited items like chocolate and onions. To be safe, however, don't offer them anything that is not dog food. Even minor deviations from their regular diet, including the sudden introduction of a new type of pet food, can cause an upset stomach and should be avoided.   Firecrackers and Fireworks Displays Dogs are naturally curious, so they should not have access to fireworks, even when they're unlit. Many contain toxic substances such as arsenic and potassium nitrate. Avoid burns and other injuries by keeping your dog away from lit fireworks and sparklers. Furthermore, even the most  well-adjusted, well-behaved, and extroverted pets should not be exposed to loud events such as public fireworks displays. The noise is  bothersome to their sensitive hearing, and they could become anxious being in a loud, crowded environment.   Matches, Lighter Fluid, Citronella Candles Essentially, anything that has to do with fire is best kept away from your pet. In addition to the risk of being burned by fire, pets can face respiratory problems from the chemicals in matches and lighter fluid, for instance. Citronella and other oils can cause respiratory and stomach problems. Ingesting any of these materials can also result in severe damage to the animal's nervous system.   For more information, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to  Animals (ASPCA) issues detailed safety guidelines, including tips for major holidays like the Fourth of July.   You've heard of the dog days of summer? Although you may grow tired of the sultry heat by July or August, but by following these simple safety tips, you and your four-legged friend can relax and enjoy the entire season. Image Credit.