Just about everyone is aware of how dangerous it is to feed a dog chocolate, but as it turns out there’s a plethora of dog poisons.  In fact poison and dogs are pretty close bedfellows. Here, compiled for your information and the public safety of canines everywhere, is a list of items okay for human consumption, but dangerously toxic for dogs. First on the list is Caffeine. Caffeine is that helpful compound that keeps you from killing your fellow employees in the morning. However, in your panting pet partner, caffeine is all kinds of deadly. This means that giving a dog chocolate, coffee, many soft drinks, and a lot of different teas is off limits. The precise reason for caffeine’s status as a dog poison is methylxanthines. Methylxanthines are molecules contained in caffeine that cause all sorts of caustic complications in your pets. If this particular dog poison enters your canine’s system then prepare to take a trip to the vet, or at least make a call to poison control. The effects of this molecule on animals include: vomiting, diarrhea, panting, major thirst, and abnormally frequent urination, hyperactivity, irregular heart rhythm, trembles, seizures and in the worst cases expiration. Another dog poison that shouldn’t come as a surprise to the seasoned pet owner is alcohol. Alcohol isn’t exactly good for people, (though excessive consumption does occasionally have a well-known side effect of making you an awesome dancer) so it should come as no surprise that it is absolutely terrible for dogs. Also unsurprisingly, just as people are inexorably drawn to booze, dogs love it too. The rest of the items on the list are a little less obvious. Raisons, grapes, yeast dough, avocados, chives, onion, garlic, milk, salt, raw meat, eggs, the sweetener xylitol, chicken bones, and macadamia nuts all have a serious impact on an unsuspecting canine that consumes them.  It’s a dog’s life, eh? That’s quite a number of allergies to keep up with. Best keep to dry food for the time being.   Here’s a quick breakdown of some other dog poisons: Avocados give you a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, but give one to a dog and you’ll be dealing with leakage from both ends. Macadamia nuts are awesome in cookies, but are known to cause hyperthermia, weakness, depression, vomiting, and trembling in dogs. Grapes/raisons will cause kidney failure. Yeast dough will expand in a dog’s stomach and cause serious complications. Salmonella and E. coli can get to a dog just like a human, so avoid raw meat and eggs yolks. Chicken bones will splinter into shards and cut a pup up from the inside. Xylitol leads to liver failure due to insulin release. Onions, garlic, and chives will hurt red blood cells. Milk is terrible for digestion. And a ton of salt is just as poisonous to dogs as it is to human. So remember to keep these foodstuffs safely out of reach from your dog, and tune in next time for more helpful pet tips!    

Have you ever felt like your dog was more than just your faithful family companion? Did you ever get the feeling that the house hound was more like a kid than a big dumb drooling animal? Relax. You aren’t a crazy pet person. Well, maybe you are, but there is scientific data saying that it’s pretty normal to act that way. A fascinating and incredible fact you probably wouldn’t have expected to find out about dogs lies beneath the chemical makeup of the bond between man and his best friend. It’s called Oxytocin. This crazy little chemical is responsible for the bond between parents and children, social awareness, and empathy. It’s released in the brain at birth and during the child’s maturation. It’s a handy evolutionary add on that helps human beings to feel affection for the annoying little rascals that show up suddenly to turn your nights sleepless, and make you change large quantities of overflowing diapers. A potent antithesis to post-partum depression. And Guess what? The same chemical makeup that is responsible for a mother’s love  plays a big role in the feelings between you and your dog. Recent scientific studies performed by the fine Swedish scientists at Uppsalla University show that after only 10 minutes with an adorable little doggy there are sizable increases in the levels of oxytocin in both the brain of the human and the dog! Similar findings in lab rats could indicate that oxytocin is actually responsible for all human/animal bonding. People have always known how therapeutic owning a dog or cat can be. Observable effects on pet owners throughout the years have included longer life, lower stress, and an overall  better level of health. However, now that science is finally catching up to common sense we can actually learn the chemistry behind our most powerful emotions.  That’s a handful of fascination that you might not have expected from ol’ Fido. The implications of this study are pretty huge. Animal based therapies have been in place for a long while and have had some incredible results for the elderly and infirm especially. Now that we are attaining a better understanding of oxytocin and its role in our brain’s chemical makeup as well as our social interactions will only increase the effectiveness of such therapies. Now that we’re catching on to the effectiveness of an oxytocin treatment it’s only a matter of time before it’s monetized and sold for millions. However, in the meantime there’s no oxytocin tablet available for sale. Which really kind of puts an even more positive spin on owning a dog. After all, you don’t need a prescription for a puppy, and they’re a lot cheaper than going to a high priced shrink to endeavor to eliminate your social anxieties and help you better bond with your fellow man.  In the meantime, your doctor recommends you pet your puppy 40 times per minute for 5 minutes and call him in the morning.

Today’s showcase will be about Trifexis. This little known tablet is the preferred monthly preventative of veterinarians. Puppies coming in for their first checkup will usually be prescribed Trifexis as their very first chewable flea killer. However, there is much more to this vet favorite than just the wholesale slaughter of everyone’s least favorite bloodsucking insect. Dogs taking Trifexis will have three things less to worry about than the average untreated pup. This powerful monthly treatment stays true to its name and fights off three different kinds of unwanted houseguests. That’s right, the holy trinity of dog terrorism: fleas, heartworms, and the intestinal worms whose names you’ve come to know and loathe. Fully matured hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms all tremble in fear at the sound of this drug’s name. Ingredients for Success These dangerous parasites haven’t got a prayer against the combined might of two powerful active ingredients in the makeup of Trifexis. If you’re old enough, you may have heard of spinosad, a powerful insect killer developed in the late nineties to protect agriculture without any adverse environmental effects. Now it’s doing the job inside your dog’s biochemistry with equal cautious care. The other active ingredient, milbemycin oxime, is a drug produced exclusively for veterinary purposes. It’s the active ingredient inside of Interceptor, another pet preventative favored by proud puppy parents the world over. The drug is metabolized in the liver and acts mainly against the intestinal and heartworms, leaving the insecticidal work to the Spinosad. Affecting Effectiveness Together these two make a powerful super drug with a broad spectrum of efficacy. However, that scientific mumbo jumbo isn’t really all that important to the drug purchasing laymen. The average pet owner only cares about one thing. Does it work? Sure enough, this drug garners praise and subscriptions from various veterinary facilities for good reason.  The studies (page 3) conducted before the drug was approved by the American Food and Drug Administration showed a 100% effectiveness rating, when properly administered in the suggested intervals. Doesn’t get much clearer than that, does it? A 100% effective treatment in stark black ink on white paper says that there isn’t much more you could do for your dog than keep him or her safe with this powerful monthly medication.  Your dog will appreciate the fact that it isn’t itching, but it’s more likely to show gratitude for the tablet itself. The tasty flavoring on the outer shell can pretty much assure a popular reception among the canine population. Benefits: Convenient – easy to administer and happily received with a wagging tail. Effective—100% effective in the treatment of hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, heartworm, and fleas. Fast acting, and consistent—Begins killing parasites within 24 hours and keeps killing them for 30 days! Tasty—The Flavored spinosad will kill fleas while maintaining a flavor your dog will flip for. And virtually without side effects. So don’t wait one more second. If your dog needs treatment, grab yourself some Trifexis today!

Tapeworms. What freaking nightmare. They’re tiny little worms that sit in small intestines and eat all the food before their hosts can draw nourishment. It’d be bad enough if they were only infecting your pets, but these dirty little parasites can make their homesteads in your bowels as well. It’s like something out of a horror movie. The marquis would read: “The Worms Within...” Underneath the title there would be a pale, sickly, multi-fanged abomination of nature exploding out of a cute co-ed’s stomach. Shudder in fear, good people. Shudder in fear. These disgusting parasites are a commonly creepy problem for pets. Fortunately, the worms are more of an annoyance than a legitimate threat. Treatment is relatively painless, and it can be quite reasonable if you head to the right retailer. The problem with the worms is how easy they are to contract. The trouble with tapeworms is all about ingestion. Flea larvae start out eating fecal matter that contains tapeworm eggs. The eggs mature in flea stomachs, the flea is ingested by a dog or cat and presto chango: your dog is scarping his butt across the carpet in supreme irritation. Tapeworm Symptoms You might notice that your pet is tapeworm ridden by some of the following signs: The aforementioned anal itching. Dried worm parts crusting around your pet’s sphincter. Moving worms in your dog/cat’s fecal matter. You could also check out a smear of poo under a microscope, but that seems a bit drastic for the average pet owner. Just look for the other signs and head to the computer to point and click your way to parasite destruction. Now how do you treat or prevent tapeworms? Glad you asked. There are many treatment options for tapeworms, and nearly all of them are instantaneous. That means a case of tapeworms isn’t much more than a disgusting inconvenience. Drontal dewormer works quickly, effectively, and definitively. Britain’s #1 dewormer has an awesome track record in taking out intestinal worms of all kinds, and tapeworms are no exception. One dose of Drontal will take out your pet’s parasitic problem in a day flat. Tapeworm Treatment Other quality dewormers include: Frontline Advantage Multi Advocate Milbemax If you’re thinking more about tapeworms prevention than treatment, you’ll want to stop them at the source. As you’ve already learned, tapeworms are spread through ingestion. If your dog or cat doesn’t have a flea to eat, then there’s very little chance that they can become infected. Make sure to keep them away from feces too. Cats shouldn’t have a problem in this area, but if you have a dog with a penchant for munching on waste… Well, keep a close eye out and nip that behavior in the bud. Remember to keep treating them with monthly worm and flea preventatives as well. The less invaders they have to deal with the better. After all, if they don’t get bit, then they won’t bite and scratch themselves, virtually eliminating the possibility of eating a parasite within a parasite. Avoiding Insect Inseption.

Welcome to yet another blurb on one of the many ways a tiny six legged organism can ruin your day. On tonight’s episode, you’ll learn about the most common cause of skin disease for dogs and cats: Flea Allergy Dermatitis. Don’t take this allergic reaction as lightly as the jovially toned jive you’re reading, flea dermatitis is most definitely a drag. Flea allergy dermatitis starts with a flea. The flea bites your pet repeatedly causing a stinging itch, the dog or cat responds by scratching or biting themselves raw, and eventually develops an allergy to the flea’s saliva. This allergy then takes the form of raw exposed skin replacing the lovely fur coat that your pet had been cultivating for the entirety of its existence. Unless you have one of those disarmingly adorable/creepy pets without any fur, but it’s pretty difficult for fleas to stick around on a hairless target. Doggy Dermatitis In dogs, flea allergy dermatitis will make itself known through redness, bumps, pus filled bumps (postules,) crusty scabs, and the aforementioned hair loss. These signs are most often found around the tail, back, and neck areas; though the back of the legs are common targets as well.  It’s basically the worst possible version of eczema that you can imagine, except it’s in canines. So don’t send your pooch to obedience school with flea allergy dermatitis, they’ll be just as embarrassed as the flaky skinned kid in high school. You don’t want an unpopular puppy, do you? Feline Flea Allergy   In cats, the flea dermatitis can be just as bad, if not worse. Feline flea allergy dermatitis carries all of the same symptoms as the canine model, but it can also lead to some fairly serious skin disorders. These disorders can include miliary dermatitis which is basically a series of unpatterned lesions on your cat’s skin, feline eosinophilic granuloma which causes highly unattractive ulcers, or alopecia which is a fancier way of saying hair loss. At this point you might be asking yourself: is there no end to the problems flea bites can cause? Well, fortunately for you, the answer is yes. The fleas have only a finite supply of methods to annoy or physically harm you and your pet. Not only are they limited in their approach, but you can actively combat the problem at the source of flea allergy dermatitis and all of its accompanying health conditions; namely, the fleas.   Pet Medications to the Rescue Your solution should be a fairly familiar one if you are a frequent browser of this blog. The answer is, of course, flea prevention through quality pet medications. No matter how bad your pet’s reaction to flea allergy dermatis is, their symptoms are bound to subside if you prevent the flea bites. Whether you’re a fan of spot on treatments or tablets, you’ll be glad you offered your pet this easy and affordable protection that enhances their quality of life, and saves you peace of mind. Pick up your pet meds today.  

Fleas are a pestilence to mankind. Their blood feud has been going on for centuries. A certain variety of flea was actually responsible for the widespread death and devastation wrought throughout the Black Death’s reign of terror in the 1300s. These days, most people don’t worry too much about catching the plague, but fleas are still carriers of this and other terrible and debilitating flea diseases. For the sake of public health and safety, this public service announcement is here to inform you of the dangers that can result from unrestricted flea bites and flea disease. Cat Scratch Fever Despite the incredible guitar talents of Ted Nugent, this particular flea disease is no picnic. Better known in the medical community by the name of Bartonella henselae, (not quite as catchy as the common vernacular) Cat Scratch Fever is transmitted via flea bite, and it preys on weak immune system and can result in serious complications for the victims. It has little to no effect on cats that contract the infection, but it plays havoc with humans. Symptoms include but are not limited to: fatigue, headache, fever, swelling of the lymph nodes, weight loss, sore throat, and a lack of appetite. Someone with the infection should also see a blister or bump form at the site of the infection, which is usually caused by a scratch or bite from a cat, hence the well thought out name.   The Bubonic Plague   Believe it or not, people actually still catch this medieval epidemic, and it’s no ring around the rosy. Guess how it’s contracted. Pat yourself on the back if you answered flea bites. If you paid any attention in high school history, you probably remember the symptoms of the Black Death: gangrene, malaise, fever, grotesquely smooth bumps and boils, and oh yeah—Death. Luckily, medical science has come a ways since the dark ages, and there are antibiotic treatments that keep this flea disease in check. Flea Borne Typhus You know that any disease that sounds like a Greek god can’t be too much fun. Flea borne Typhus is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi  is transmitted when a flea bites a rat then cats or possums and then on to human beings. It’s a nasty infection with some harsh symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes (a common trend, if you haven’t noticed,) severe headaches, stupor, chills, high fever, a skin rash, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches. Antibiotic treatment is a must if you contract this flea disease. If left untreated, the infection can prove fatal. There are plenty of other pathogens that a flea can transmit with a single chomp, but these are the culprits to look out for.   While there are treatment options for most any flea disease, the real solution will always be preventative treatment. It’s far better to pay up front and not have to worry about the Black Death. So thank your lucky stars that such treatment is both affordable and conveniently available at your online pet supermarket

What is a flea? The answer is manifold. As you probably already know, there are plenty of different kinds of fleas. Many are named for the hosts that they prey upon: Rabbit, Dog,  and Deer Fleas, etc. However, as we’ve already learned, knowledge of your enemies is of paramount importance in the ongoing struggle against parasites. So it’s time to get down to specifics. If there is one sort that gives people and pets more trouble than any other, it is undoubtedly the Cat Flea. If you’ve ever had to deal with a pet parasite infestation, you’ve more than likely come up against this tiny terror. So what do fleas do? More than you might expect. The Cat flea is one of the most numerous creatures on the planet, thriving in any area inhabited by animals. Unlike many of their parasitic brethren with a predilection toward a single type of prey, these bloodsuckers have an undiscerning appetite for mammalian hemoglobin. They will feast on dogs, cats, birds, and even humans. Though humans can be infected, it’s difficult for a large colony to establish for any extended period of time.  Most human beings are quick to eliminate any pesky itching, but if a flea can feed on a human for 12 hours they will begin to lay eggs. While they are predominantly found on cats, there are actually more cat fleas infesting dog skins than any other variety, including the dog flea. In interesting name choice there. The scientists in charge of classification must have gotten lazy that day. Cat Flea Characteristics   Aside from being less finicky than the other types, the cat flea doesn’t really stand out. Their recognizable attributes only become visible when viewed under a microscope, which can be problematic considering how difficult they are to catch.  They share most of the major features with the others, like piercing/sucking mouth parts, three sets of legs, large and powerful hind legs well-suited to jumping, tiny spines on their legs used to grip the host’s hair, and a triple sectioned body. Their habits are very similar to the other varieties as well. They prefer warmer climates anywhere between 55 and 90° F. Cat fleas are most active before laying eggs and after emerging from their pupa stage. The major differences are in the whisker-like spines on and around their heads as well as a vertical compression, (in addition to the universally present lateral compression that allows all fleas to slip as they please through feathers and fur with equivalent ease). On an unrelated note, that last rhyme was entirely coincidental and unplanned, though whimsically pleasing to the ear. A certain amount of whimsy is a much-needed element when discussing a subject as disturbing as bloodsucking parasites, so it seems like a good spot to end the discussion. Remember that while fleas can differ greatly between species, treatment is nearly always the same. Prevention is the best policy and nothing beats high quality pet medications. Grab yours today!

Well, you know… we all want to change the world—to a simpler and safer place for pets that is! There is a veritable smorgasbord of preventatives on the pet medication buffet, but how do you tell which is the correct choice for your pet? Well, in the interest of pet revelations and the commonwealth of cats and dogs everywhere, here is a brief account of the advantages of two popular items on most every pet owner’s radar. Revolution and Frontline Plus. Both Revolution and Frontline Plus will treat the basic parasites: fleas and ticks. However, they differ in their methods and applicability. Both are spot-on medications applied to the back of your pet’s neck. This saves you the trouble of covering a tablet in peanut-butter and deceiving your trusting companions. These medications deserve their due diligence as fine and effective products. On the Frontlines Though Revolution and Frontline Plus both share a degree of notoriety, Frontline plus is probably the better known of the two. Though it suffers some criticism at the hands of sporadic posters on many pet forums, it maintains a merited respectable reputation. It is a multi-action parasite medication that attacks every stage of the flea life cycle, neutralizing flea eggs, inhibiting larval growth and killing adult fleas. While offering comprehensive protection against fleas, Frontline Plus also tackles those troublesome ticks and lice.   Revolution Revelations Revolution is also a multi-action parasite medication. Revolution will defend your dog or cat from fleas and ticks just like Frontline Plus. The flea protection offered by both products is identical as Revolution is no respecter of age when it comes to eliminating fleas, though it treats a much more limited variety of ticks as compared to Frontline Plus. Whereas Frontline protects against American Dog Ticks, Brown Ticks, Lone Star Ticks, and Deer Ticks too; Revolution only offers defense against the most prevalent of those listed above: The American Dog Tick. The main advantage of Revolution is that it also treats deadly heartworms, invasive Ear Mites, and even intestinal parasites in cats. Frontline Or Revolution? Heartworm prevention is pretty important to a pet owner, and not having to administer two separate medications for these parasites is a pretty big advantage for Revolution. However, if you live in an area proliferated by more than the run-of-the-mill tick population it might behoove you to stock up on Frontline Plus instead. Revolution and Frontline plus are both effective in the most common uses of pet medications, and each has its own standout characteristics making it more or less attractive according to consumer preferences. Whichever you choose you’re likely to be a powerfully satisfied return customer for years to come. The main thing to remember is that none of the medications you research are really “better” or “worse” than any other. They simply offer distinctly different advantages and disadvantages. Do your research and carefully consider the possibilities before deciding on the best course of treatment for your fuzziest family members.

Everyone loves to take their dog to the Dog Park. The mutt burns some energy, socializes with other dogs, and you get to enjoy the sight of happy hounds frolicking. The only thing you have to worry about is picking up some unwanted guests, namely fleas or ticks, from the dog park grounds or the other dogs. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure your dog’s wellbeing during his Dog Park visit. Vet recommended canine parasite medications are readily available, as well as home remedies, and protective chemical barriers that can boost your pet’s defenses to near impenetrable levels. All so you can keep the dog park from turning into a flea circus. The Preventative Strike The Dog Park is enemy territory, to make an incursion you’ve got to be prepared. The first step in an effective defense is prevention. There are effective medicines that can shield your pet from the malicious pests plaguing you both. Canine parasite medications like Frontline, Comfortis, and Revolution all meet the task admirably, and they are all available from your favorite online Pet Supermarket. The Castle Walls Once you’ve decided on a monthly treatment, it’s time to go the extra mile. If you’ve got a scheduled visit to your local dog park, then dress your dog appropriately with a flea/tick collar. These handy implements will spread a thin layer of parasite repellant across your pup’s body, and send any unwanted visitors packing with a poisonous rebuttal. Final Preparations As if these two precautions weren’t enough to deter even the boldest parasites lurking in your local dog park, there are some home remedies that can be effective in weeding out the mostresilient of your tiny foes. For example, mix a small amount of garlic into your dog’s meals. The garlic is absorbed into your pet’s bloodstream and the pungent flavor proves unpalatable for the picky flea. Just as a citronella candle will keep mosquitos at bay, the more earthbound bloodsucking flea tries to avoid the scent of citronella as well. To put this trick to good use, take a bandana or scarf and drop a few drops of citronella onto it. Wrap the small garment around your pet’s neck and give them a pretty new accessory as well as the assurance of an itch free afternoon. Home remedies like these can prove fairly, but shouldn’t be seen as substitutes for the overall protection of a proven canine parasite medication. However, they can fill in the gaps and help put one more barrier between your pet and his predators. Avoid the Flea Circus! Always remember to check your dog for fleas after a day at the dog park. When the pooches intermingle so closely it’s a safe bet that one of them has rolled in something they shouldn’t have, and it’s only a short hop for a single flea to start a new colony on your dog’s hide. Start defending your dog with an effective canine parasite medication today.

First thing’s first, let’s explore the basic properties of this irritating arachnid. What is a Tick? The common tick is a bi-sectioned bloodsucker; its front end contains its head and mandibles, the posterior contains digestive and procreative organs. They can be found nearly anywhere there is a healthy supply of plasma to poach, but ticks thrive in warmer wetter climates. They feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and even the occasional reptile. They are carriers of numerous diseases, ranging from the somewhat benign to the severely detrimental. How Bad are Tick Bites? Bad. Ticks bites have been known to transmit diseases like: Lyme disease, Q fever  Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, African tick bite fever, tularemia, tick-borne relapsing fever, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Tick paralysis and tick-borne meningoencephalitis, as well as bovine anaplasmosis.  The most common and infamous of these:  Lyme disease is a debilitative bacterial condition. People suffering from Lyme disease may suffer from fatigue, headache, depression, fever, and an extreme skin rash. Left unchecked, Lyme disease can begin to affect a person’s joints, cardiac, and central nervous systems.  How to Find a Tick: A visual and tactile inspection is usually enough to root out the invaders. Before inspecting a dog or cat, grab a pair of latex gloves preventing direct contact with the infected skin around a tick bite.  Look or feel around your pet’s skin for a small lump. Pay close attention to areas with less hair and more access to the skin. Around the face or ears are favorite haunts of the greedy parasites. How to Remove Ticks: Removing ticks is a simple process, yet one that’s easy to mess up if you attempt it haphazardly. It’s best to use a pair of tweezers. Using a deliberate but constant movement, pull the tick out of the skin. Take your time. Going too swiftly can leave the head still embedded in the epidermis, increasing the risk of infection.  Now that you’ve got the tick out, here comes the fun part: burn him like a Salem witch. Once you hear a satisfying “pop” from your tiny funeral pyre, take the remains and insert into toilet. Play some bagpipe music in the background and send the ashes to a watery grave. Make sure to disinfect your tweezers afterward. Preventing Tick Bites: There are a number of highly effective methods to keep your pet free from tick bites. Most of the common monthly anti-parasitics designed for dogs and cats will do the trick. There are also specialized collars that will step of the level of protection. Of course, you could always just keep an inside dog/cat, but that would deprive your playful pup or kitty the joys of rolling in mud or chasing birds, respectively.   But why would you want to disappoint a face like this? Keep checking back for more helpful pet information, and be sure to explore the rest of the site for great deals on all your favorite pet medications.