Thursday, November 27, 2008

Dog Ticks Treatment & Removal

Dog ticks are quite a common pet infestation among dogs. They can get these parasites anywhere, be it inside your house or when you roam around the park. There are various dog ticks treatment options that you can do to eradicate these nasty fleas from your dog's fur and skin.

One popular dog ticks treatment is the use of herbs and creams. You can also use anti-tick powders and oils especially made for canines suffering from ticks. However, though creams and lotions can kill ticks, they don't have the capacity to totally eradicate them. In fact, dead fleas end up still attached to your dog's fur.

Never attempt to remove dog ticks using tweezers. This is such a bad ticks removal practice that can cause infections and worsen the problem. Tweezers may burst the tick's body, poisoning your dog even more. If you're not aware of, there are specific dog ticks that can cause blood poisoning.

The safest dog ticks removal method to get rid of these parasites is by using your own hands. When you're doing that, remember not to put too much pressure on the ticks as their body could suddenly burst. You must do it carefully. The process of dog ticks removal might be a little painful for your pet. Once the dog ticks are out, you can dispose them by crushing them using newspapers. You can also put the ticks on a bowl filled with shampoo or bleach and flush them in the toilet bowl.

You can also opt for natural dog ticks treatment options. There are natural dog tick repellents that are proven to be effective in removing parasites that you can buy in the market today. You also can use garlic and vinegar to kill ticks. Simply add these natural ingredients in your pet's drinking water.

For severe cases of dog tick infestation, veterinarians usually recommend topical and oral medicines and antibiotics to administer your k9.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Benefits of Dog Parks

Dog parks are not a peculiar thing to see at any state. To date, there have been quite a lot of parks suitable for your K9 buddies that are built to promote a healthier living and lifestyle. Aside from the basic purpose of established dog parks, what else can one benefit from taking your dogs to a simple walk in the park?

Since health is the number one priority, dogs and even cats need some time to breathe some fresh air and get their joints moving. Humans are not the only ones that need a jog or brisk walk at the park. Exercise is crucial among pets especially with the growing number of diseases that both dogs and cats encounter.

Safety wise and talking about comfort, taking your pets on a simple stroll down the neighborhood can be the easiest thing to do but not the safest. We can’t neglect the fact that cars or bikes may bring about accidents both to neighbors or your own pets. Among anything else, not all neighborhood pets are friendly.

It really is beneficial to go to dog parks or pet parks not only for your pet but also for other pet owners. Most of the time, interaction with fellow pet owners start here wherein they can talk about taking care of their pets, what to do on some cases concerning the health of pets, and others. Funny as it may sound, you may be building new friends of your own while your own pet does the same thing too.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Canine Acne Treatment

Dogs, similar to human beings, can get acne too. It is a common infection among dogs that is caused by bacteria or allergic reactions to food, medicine, chemicals and other elements. Normally, it can be seen as bumps on a dog's chin. A dog suffering from canine acne has swellings and scabs on his skin. Dog breeds that are usually affected by this disease are short-coated canines such as bulldog, boxers and doberman pinschers.

Although canine acne is just a minor problem, this disease can develop into severe infections. Acne in dogs cannot be totally be eradicated, but rather controlled. Here are some canine acne treatment methods that you can do:

To control the formation of acne in your dog's skin, you need to determine some predisposing factors such as underlying dog allergies. Different dog breeds react to certain kinds of food and product, so you better avoid them.

Another effective canine acne treatment is regular cleaning. You can use anti-acne solutions such as Benzoyl Peroxide or mild anti-seborrheic soap or shampoo to minimize the bacterial load of the skin and eradicate cellular debris that block the pores of your dog. Proper dog grooming is an effective way to control canine acne. Hair should be removed with scissors to allow discharges to distributed further in your dog's skin.

For severe cases of canine acne, take your dog to the vet for proper medication. Usually, your dog will need to take antibiotics for 3-4 weeks. If your dog scratches his face a lot, an anti-inflammatory medicine will help alleviate the discomfort.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Tips On Caring For Older Dogs & Cats

Older dogs and cats, just like humans, need special care. Paying courtesy to their needs will prolong their life. By giving him or her a little extra attention, your senior companions can be with you for a very long time. Aging of pets can be a major challenge for all pet owners but there are a few ways that you can do to make the life of your older pets safer and comfortable.

You know your pet better than anyone else. If you observe any indications of pain or changes in behavior, consult your vet immediately. Here are some tips on how to take good care of adult and aging cats and dogs:

1. If your dog has arthritis, you need to set up a safety gate across stairways to spare aching joints. Buying elevated feeders is also also a good idea so that your dog doesn't have to bend down to drink or eat. Put him or her also in a comfortable and soft bed.

2. Feed your old dogs and cats with "senior" pet foods. In this way, you can ensure that your pet gets the right nutrition. Your pet might also need some specialty diets. Select a diet that is low in calories but high in fiber.

3. Groom your pet occasionally. When brushing and grooming your senior dog or cat, check for any lumps, sores, and ear discharges. If you see anything unusual, bring him or her to the veterinarian.

4. Older pets are more susceptible to illnesses. Keep up to date on your pet's vaccinations.

5. Don't take for granted even the simplest indications potential medical conditions. Weight loss and change in their bowel movement, for example, indicate that something wrong to your senior pets.

6. To keep your pet healthy, give him or her multivitamins or supplements that are proven effective and safe for pets.