Vaccines

Vaccines are a modern medical miracle. Without vaccines, polio would still be crippling people across the globe. Nonetheless, certain people have concerns regarding some of the vaccines provided in modern healthcare. You may or may not agree with such concerns.

One area you do not have to worry, however, is with canine vaccines. They have been with us for some time and are critical to helping pups avoid deadly diseases. As a dog blogger, I have vaccinated both my dogs without even the hint of a problem and strongly feel you should as well.

Rabies

Rabies is a well known, but deadly viral disease. The disease is transmitted to your dog via a bite or saliva exchange. The disease then moves to the brain where it often incubates for a few months. Eventually, it attacks the brain and the results are absolutely horrific. Your pup will end up becoming very aggressive and bite happy. Ultimately, the dog becomes paralyzed as it dies in a slow, painful death. Fortunately, this can all be avoided with the rabies vaccine, which should make it the first shot on your “to do” list with the vet.

Parvo

A nasty virus that puppies get, the Parvovirus attacks the intestinal wall of your dog and can spread to the heart and lungs. The dog finds it difficult to uptake nutrients, can become severely dehydrated and can die in worse case scenarios. A dog that vomits, is depressed and has bloody diarrhea is a dog suffering from the virus. Parvo vaccine should be given as early on as is safe for your pup.

Distemper

Distemper is another virus dogs can catch. The odd thing about his virus is it is typically transferred through the air by dog breath or coughing. The disease migrates into the body to the lungs, nervous system and intestines where it reeks havoc. This produces symptoms of problems balancing, vomiting, eye and nose discharge, coughing and seizures. There is no cure once the dog has the virus, but it can be prevented for the most part with a “Distemper shot.”

Hepatitis

Hepatitis? Yes. Your dog can get hepatitis much the same way humans can, however, it cannot transfer the canine version to you. Canine hepatitis attacks the liver. Symptoms include coughing, a high fever and an enlarged liver. If it goes unchecked, your dog can suffer from liver failure and pass away.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection. There are eight different types, but all attack the liver and kidneys. This can lead to liver and kidney failure, which results in the loss of life. Dogs catch the disease through interaction with stagnant water and even urine from other dogs.

5 in 1

If there is one area where pet care seems to make much more sense than care for humans, it is in the vaccine niche. Instead of needing to get your dog a shot for each of the above issues, there is a “5 in 1″ vaccine readily available to all vets. This means you can minimize the discomfort of your pup when getting a shot and save a bit of money.

I should note there are other diseases and vaccines your dog might need. Certain diseases are very prevalent, but only in certain parts of the country. You should always consult with a local vet to know the risks in your area and what, if any, vaccines can be used to minimize the risk.

Annie Klacks owns two mutts she loves dearly and advocates on behalf of dogs as a blogger for Animaroo.

On top of not being able to understand little things, these speaking barriers also mean that a cat owner can rarely tell when something is wrong with the pet. Cats tend to keep to themselves and unless there is a radical behavioural change or the cat is meowing 24/7, you probably won’t know something is bothering them until it is too late. So what can you do to improve your cat’s odds at being healthy and happy? You can boost their immune system with these simple tricks:

First and foremost, never neglect the mandatory yearly vaccination plus the recommended treatments for internal and external parasites which should be done every 3 or 4 months. The vaccine protects from a lot of serious illnesses whereas the parasite treatments, if neglected, can lead to a plethora of problems. A flee infestation, for example, is not only extremely uncomfortable for the pet, but can also cause an allergic reaction.

A pet’s first line of defence against diseases is its diet. Be very aware of what you are feeding your cat with – preservatives in the food, meat by-products instead of the actual meat, grain fillers instead of the healthy grains themselves and so on. Do not be fooled by the super cute advertisements on TV – it’s much better to ask your vet which foods are good and which are not. The good food will cost more, but you will probably agree that your pet’s health is more important.

Another important thing is to not feed your cat with the same food all the time. In much the same way as we humans need variety for a healthy diet, so do cats. Many of the foods at pet stores are labelled “for domestic cats”, “for healthy skin and shiny fur”, “for dental hygiene”, and so on – mix and match different varieties every time to ensure that your cat is getting everything it needs.

You know the proverb “Healthy mind in a healthy body”, don’t you? It applies not only to humans, but to cats as well. You should try to eliminate anything that causes stress to your furry friend as the more worried it gets, the more likely it is to fall ill. A happy pet is a healthy pet.

Another human rule applies as well – the stronger and more fit your body is, the more immune you are to diseases. Surprise, surprise – cats are the same. You should make sure that your kitty gets plenty of exercise every day – play with it, buy lots of toys and various climbing contraptions – just get it moving.

You can also supply your kitty with dietary supplements to really make sure that nothing malicious creeps its way into its organism. There are many cat supplements available in stores so you should know which ingredients work best. Vitamin E is especially important as its purpose is solely to boost the immune system. Probiotics aid the digestion which has a huge role in a cat’s immune system. Natural ingredients which have proven extremely beneficial to cats are Echinacea, Huang Qi and Indian Ginseng. If you can find any product with such ingredients, you will find your kitty to be happier, healthier and more energetic.

Of course, one thing a kitty cannot be healthy without is your love. Make sure they know how much you love them and they will reciprocate.

This article was contributed by Rita Rova, a pet lover who writes about her passion on behalf of discount website, Love My Vouchers, where you can find the latest offers and voucher codes for top UK pet supplies stores.

Use spray repellant
If there are certain pieces of furniture or cords that your cat keeps chewing, cover them with something that has a sour or bitter taste. You can buy spray repellant, from the pet store to make sure it is not poisonous, or if that is not possible then apply bitter lemon juice on to those things which are off limits for your pet. The cat will naturally stay away from chewing items which does gives an unpleasant taste. Electric and telephone cords can also be protected by bundling them with a cord manager and fastening them away from the reach of the cat.

Use Double Sided Tape
To prevent your cat from scratching furniture and other household items, apply double sided tape on to such items for a few weeks. The cat will not like the stickiness and will avoid scratching in these places. Similarly, provide a carpet covered scratching post to the cat to help redirect its scratching needs without causing any destruction to the house.

Cover trashcans
Cats are very curious animals and their paws are capable enough to turn over a trash can and even knock the lid open, spewing trash all over the home. To prevent this, make sure that the trashcan has a sturdy lid and lid and latch. Having a sealed recycle bin is also a good idea.

Litter train
To prevent soiled carpets and other appearances of animal feces, litter train the cats. This is simple but requires patience. Place a litter box with some sand in a secluded spot and after your cat has woken up from a nap or after eating, keep her in the box. Try making her dig or scratch using her front paws as cats are supposed to instinctively bury their waste. Place the cat in the box at hourly intervals to help her get the idea that this is the place to relieve herself.

Exercise
This may sound basic, but a lot of bad behavior from cats is a result of boredom. Cats scratch and chew because they have a lot of excess energy which is not being diverted in another direction. Regular exercise will be a good alternative to hyperactive and destructive cats. Let them loose in the yard and play using a laser pointer or a fishing pole toy as this will entertain the cats and make them run around.

Melanie enjoys blogging and especially when its comes to pets. Over the last 5 years, Melanie has written numerous articles on pets training and care. From setting up cat scratching posts to toilet train your dog and DIY grooming, Melanie has covered most topics. When she is not blogging, she loves spending time with her 2 poodles.

1. Food

There are lots of different types of food available depending on the pooch your bringing home. If you’re adopting a puppy then look for puppy foods, or find specialist foods for older dogs if you’re taking on an elderly animal.

Make sure there’s plenty of food ready for when your new pet arrives as this will help quickly establish ground rules around feeding.

It’s always tempting to feed your dog scraps from the dinner table or give it treats that are meant for humans. Although the odd unhealthy treat won’t hurt, as a rule don’t give your dog foods that it’s not recommended they eat. Avoid high fat, high sugar foods and ensure your animal is provided with a balanced diet.

2. Identification

Get a dog collar and an identity tag onto your dog as soon as they arrive and make sure the tag includes all the necessary information including the dog’s name, your name and a telephone number.

You can also have your dog fitted with a tracking device at the vet which means you’ll be able to pinpoint exactly where they are if they get lost. Rare breed owners who run greater risk of their pets being stolen often opt to have their dog fitted with an electronic tag.

3. Leads

Make sure the lead you choose is suitable for the dog you own. A small retractable lead is ideal for smaller breeds but larger dogs will need something more robust. You can look online or visit your local pet shop to find out more about leads.

4. Training Treats and Toys

It’s always a good idea to train your dog to help keep it safe and make your life easier. It’s best to start training as soon as possible so make sure you’re stocked up on toys and doggy treats when your dog arrives. Chew toys will stop your dog from chewing on furniture in your home and if your dog has a hard bite, it’s better to choose soft toys rather than hard objects like bones which will strengthen their bite further.

5. Pet Beds

Whether your dog is going to sleep out in a kennel or stay in at night, it’s essential to have a comfortable pet bed for them within the home. This will give them a soft surface to relax on and keep them from wanting to get onto furniture. For older dogs or breeds prone to joint problems, a memory foam mattress can help ease the pressure on bones and joints.

6. Dog Kennel

No dog friendly garden is complete without a kennel. If you’re looking for the perfect place for your dog to spend the night or somewhere they can shelter from the elements during the day then a quality kennel is ideal. Dog kennels come in all shapes and sizes so make sure you pick one that’s appropriate for your pet and keep it clean and well maintained.

Article contributed by HindsJohn

I’m a fifty something technical director with a passion for the food industry and blogging.
I’m happily married with two grown up daughters.

As with humans, there are many allergens that can affect our pets, including:

• Airborne pathogens, such as pollen, mold and dust mites.
• Contact allergens that result from your pet having direct contact with a specific type of material or item
• Food allergens
• Fleas (pets can develop an allergy as a result of a flea bite and is referred to as flea allergy dermatitis)

Following are some of the most common symptoms your pet may exhibit if they have allergies:

• Sneezing, coughing (if your pet has asthma) and/or wheezing
• Increased scratching
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Itchy back or base of tail (a common symptom of flea allergies)
• Itchy ears and/or ear infections
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Paw chewing and/or swollen paws

So what should you do if you suspect your pet has allergies? Your first stop should be a visit with your veterinarian to determine whether your pet in fact has allergies (as opposed to another condition), and find the cause of allergies. Your vet can then help you determine the best course of action to relieve your pet’s allergies, which may include removing possible allergens from your home, regular bathing, a change in diet, or prescription medications.

The Roll-A-Coaster also features a second story loft and lookout where your pet can relax after a full day of amusement, as well as a petting pod so you can enjoy some face time with your furry friend. The petting pod also doubles as a holding area when transporting your pet or cleaning your Roll-A-Coaster.

Additionally, the modular, add-a-feature design of the Roll-A-Coaster allows you to customize this habitat with accessories to add to your pet’s enjoyment. Let the fun begin!

Taking your cat for a walk on a leash may be a good way to allow your cat the freedom to enjoy the great outdoors in a safe and supervised way. If your kitty is confident, inquisitive and doesn’t mind being handled, he may be a good candidate for leash training. The key is to start small, getting your cat accustomed to wearing a harness and feeling secure being out in the open. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Get the right kind of leash. Opt for a harness or a walking jacket. A standard collar can choke your cat if he tries to dash off in the direction of a bird or interesting sound, and a breakaway collar will detach if your feline become frightened and darts up a tree.
• Start small and use positive reinforcement. First, get your cat accustomed to wearing the harness. As soon as you place the harness on him, give him a treat. Chances are, your cat may immediately sink to the ground as soon as you put the harness on him. As he gets used to the harness however, he may be willing to take a few steps. As he does this, be sure to reward the behavior with a treat. As soon as your cat becomes frightened or overwhelmed, remove the harness and end the training session with a treat. Also be sure to give your cat lots of praise during the session.
• Gently challenge your cat. Try to get your cat to walk a few steps further every day. Once he’s comfortable with the area he’s exploring, he’ll start walking around with his tail up. That’s your cue that he’s ready for more.
• Learn how to deal with the occasional setback. If your cat becomes alarmed by an approaching dog or a loud noise and freezes up, gently try to redirect his attention to a different area. Resist the urge to pick up and comfort your cat- this can undermine your feline’s confidence.
• Be aware of outdoor hazards to your cat. Substances used on city streets can be harmful to your cat if licked. If possible, try to take your cat to an area that’s more protected, such as a park or trail.

There are many toxins in our homes and in our yards – some that you are aware of, some that you may not be – that can be dangerous to your pets. In recognition of poison prevention awareness month, we’ve compiled a list of the most harmful toxins that may be lurking in and around your home.

1. Prescription medications. This one seems like a no brainer; yet 25,000 calls were made to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) last year due to pets ingesting human medications. So be sure to keep your medicine secure and out of the reach of your pets.
2. Insecticides. Be sure to read the label on any insecticide product before using it on your lawn or in your home. 11% of the calls fielded by the the APCC last year were the result of pets being exposed to harmful insecticides.
3. Human food. Despite the warnings that chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and increased heart rate in pets, chocolate is the number one human food ingested by pets. Xylitol, a natural sugar substitute, is the second most ingested food by pets, and can cause seizures or even liver failure in dogs.
4. Lawn and garden products. Many fertilizers are made with ingredients that are harmful to your pets, such as dried blood, poultry manure and bone meal. Read fertilizer labels carefully to determine if they may contain ingredients that are toxic to your pets. And if you use them, store them in a place where your pet can’t get to them.
5. Rodenticides. Bait that is used to kill mice and rats is often grain based and can be attractive to dogs. But if ingested, they may cause kidney failure, internal bleeding, or seizures in your pooch.

• conflicts between the cats in your household
• a dislike for the type of litter or litter box you are using
• trouble accessing the litter box
• not cleaning your cat’s litter box often enough
• the litter box is too small for your cat
• there is too much litter in the box
• a medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection, kidney stones or feline interstitial cystitis

The bottom line is that if your cat isn’t comfortable with their litter box or can’t easily access it, they won’t use it. Following are some tips to make the litter box a clean and comfortable environment for your cat:

1. Have a separate litter box for each cat in your home.
2. Keep litter boxes in a quiet area of the house- just as humans prefer a little privacy in the bathroom, so do our feline counterparts.
3. Cats prefer a clean litter box, so be sure to scoop the poop from your kitty’s litter at least once a day.
4. Use no more than one to two inches of litter.
5. Try a clumping, unscented litter- most cats prefer this type of litter.