Flea and Tick Control for Your Beloved Pets

Flea and tick infestation is dreaded by pets and their owners alike. These pesky parasites are more rampant during the summer months or in some cases all year round, depending on the temperature in certain parts of the country. Your pet doesn’t have to be around other infested animals to become infested. When fleas bite, they cause severe itching, which may eventually result in skin inflammation and infection. Some dogs are affected more than others by flea bites. Certain breeds of dogs or puppies can become severely anemic as a result of blood loss. Find out how you can control flea and tick by applying some of these suggestions.

Signs of Flea

Learning to recognize the symptoms of flea is important, as it gives you the opportunity to act quickly. By being aware, you can save your pet from flea bites and quickly get rid of them before they cause more damage. Although flea bite causes itching, their saliva can also cause allergic reaction. The most common signs that something is wrong is usually when your dog starts to bite his legs, tail or other areas of its body, as well as scratching uncontrollably, licking and chewing.

Tick infestation

Prevent tick infestation by taking preventative measures. Ticks can transfer diseases such as Lyme disease. It may not be easy to detect tick bites on your pet, so its best to take precautions before it gets to that point. Do simple things such as carefully checking your pet for any signs of tick and taking steps to reduce the chances of infestation. You may also use flea and tick control products, which repel ticks before they can bite your pet.

Controlling the Infestation

If your dog, cat or other pets are infested by flea and tick, in addition to treating the problem, you will also need to eliminate the remaining ticks, eggs or larvae. Using a steam cleaner is known to be effective, as the heat from the steam will help get rid of the parasites. In the process of getting rid of them, use a flea comb to help remove the remaining fleas and other debris from your pet’s hair. Depending on how severe the infestation is, you may need to discard all of your pet’s bedding. All this may seem like a lot of work, but it is worth taking these extra steps in order to keep your furry friends happy and healthy.

Pet Carriers: The Best One for Your Pet

Every pet owner should have a pet carrier ready and waiting to secure their precious furry friend while traveling, whether by car or airplane. Your pet can travel in style, as there are many fashionable pet carriers on the market these days. Most of these are airline approved, which is mandatory when traveling with your pets on an airplane. If this is your first time purchasing a carrier, you may have no idea where to start. Here is a simple guideline to help shop for the a carrier that suits your pet the best.

Finding Your Top Choice

Pet Carrier

When shopping for the right pet carrier, there are certain factors that are important such as the size, the material and the features. Choosing a carrier or a kennel is similar to choosing a stroller for your baby. The type of material that is used to make the carrier for your pet should be sturdy. Consider what you are going to use it for, such as for traveling in a car, train or an airplane. The most common types of materials that are required on many airlines are metal, wood or plastic. Your pet should be able to stand, move around and breathe easily in its carrier. Some people may rather pet slings, which are convenient, and can comfortable drape across the shoulders. These types are perfect for when you want to bring your pet to the store, vet or just for a walk. You can find various colors and designs to suit your taste.

Useful Features

Look for features that will create comfort and ease of use. Some pet carriers are designed with waterproof floors, climate controlled interior and other features that will enhance your pet’s travel experience. Other features may include wheels, a handle and a secure latch. Some animals such as cats may feel apprehensive when being placed in a pet carrier, especially if it is it’s first time. It’s a good idea to introduce your pet to a carrier at a young age. When you choose the right carrier, your pet can finally travel around with the rest of the family and have plenty of fun.

Allergies & Dogs: Recognizing Common Signs and Symptoms

Human beings are not the only ones who suffer from allergies, dogs do too. If you are close to your dog, whenever it is sick, you feel its pain also. Dogs are commonly affected by allergies, which comes in many forms. Although there are many warning signs and symptoms, unfortunately, many pet owners doesn’t automatically recognize these. Your dog may show different symptoms, depending on what type of allergy she has. Learning to recognize these signs will help you to quickly provide the help that your pet needs.

Types of Dog Allergies

There are various types of allergies that typically affect dogs. Some of the symptoms that are obvious are scratching, chewing of the legs, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, skin patches and constant licking of the skin. The allergies that are at the top of the list include atopy or environmental allergy, contact dermatitis and food allergies. It is possible for your dog to have more than one allergy at a time. Bringing your dog to the vet is the best way to determine the type of allergy that your pet is suffering from.

Environmental Allergy

Dogs are affected by the same allergens that affect us, whether is indoor or outdoor allergens. The allergens that typically affect dogs from inside the home are dust mites and molds. These can bring out more severe symptoms during the winter months. The most common outdoor allergens are ragweed or pollen from trees. You may notice that there are certain times of the year when your dog show more allergy symptoms. For example, during the months of April and May, certain trees release large amount of pollen into the air, which can travel long distances.

Food Allergies

There are certain types of food that can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs. This type of allergy is usually more difficult to determine than the others. Your veterinarian will inform you of the type of diet to feed your dog. By gradually eliminating certain foods, you are more likely to find out which foods are not safe for your dog to eat. Dogs suffering from food allergies often have frequent bowel movements, accompanied by vomiting. Other symptoms include itching of areas such as the feet, the face and other parts of the body.

Contact Dermatitis

Some dogs are allergic to things such as carpets or certain types of cleaners. A dog that is allergic to these may show signs such as uncontrollable scratching, bumps and loss of hair. As soon as you suspect or notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet to get her evaluated. Taking quick action will save your dog from these unbearable discomfort.