Can Diatomaceous Earth Be Used For Flea Control

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a traditional way of controlling insects including fleas and mites. It is made up of a type of algae called diatoms that have been fossilized. Diatoms have cell walls that is made up of silica which has a glass-like property, thus giving the cell walls glass-sharp edges. The edges can pierce the hard outer shell (also called exoskeleton) of insects, thereby killing them.

Diatomaceous earth is safe for use around pets and people. It is often spread on any surface, even carpets and pet bedding. However, there is a need to vacuum the area daily to remove DE and the dead fleas. The downsides of using DE include being messy and it can also irritate eyes and throat. It is also less effective in environments that are wet and humid .Putting on a mask before spreading the DE on the floor or any surface can help prevent the problem. It’s a good idea to consult your animal hospital Ellicott City, MD regarding flea or tick preventatives that can be used safely on your pet.

Reasons to Bathe Your Cat

Most pet parents can get away without bathing their feline friends. After all, cats don’t like water anyway! However, there are some good reasons to reconsider bath time for your cat.

Is your cat struggling with dandruff? If so, he may have dry skin, and a bath could help. You just have to make sure you choose the right shampoo. Look for a moisturizing formula with oatmeal. Medicated shampoo may also be an option.

Bathing your cat can help you get rid of dead hair. It can be especially helpful for cats with thick, double coats that can be difficult to brush. Just make sure you have a hair stopper in the tub, so it doesn’t all end up down the drain!

For help bathing your cat, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian Tampa, FL, and they can provide you with a recommended groomer near where you live.

Should you bring home a cat tree?

You have a feline friend in your life and you are happy to offer her everything she needs to thrive in your care. Should you bring home a cat tree for her?

Your pet needs to be able to move throughout your home with confidence that her needs will be met. This means that she will require plenty of pet supply items to help her stay healthy and happily entertained. A cat tree can help with this because it offers her a space she can call her own. It can be helpful to you as well since it can take the place of several pet supply items that your pet needs within her living space. This multitasking item can help your pet have a spot to relax, play, scratch on, climb on, and view her living space from. For more information, please contact your local vet London, ON.

Campylobacter Infections in Dogs and Cats

Campylobacter infections can occur not only in cats, dogs, and humans but also in other warm-blooded animals. The primary avenue by which the infection is transmitted to susceptible animals is through ingestion of meat and meat products that have been contaminated and/or uncooked. Directed contact with contaminated fecal materials is also an important mode of infection. Pets that are placed on a raw diet program can have higher risks of acquiring the infection.

The number of cases of Campylobacter infections tends to be higher in puppies and kittens that are under 6 months old. Infected pets suffer diarrhea which is brought about by the action of the toxin produced by the causative agent. Other signs include vomiting, fever, and sudden loss of appetite.

Fortunately, you can protect your pet from Campylobacter infections by several ways. These include giving only premium quality diet and/or cooked food, storing pet food at an appropriate temperature to avoid spoilage, not giving raw or unpasteurized milk to your pet, and avoid mixing raw meat with other foods.

You should call your veterinary clinic Mt. Airy, MD if your pet’s diarrhea has been going on for a day, more so if it is accompanied by other signs of infection. 

Parasites in Pets - Fleas And Ticks

Parasites depend on other animal (the host) for their nourishment. Pets have both external and internal parasites. Fleas, ticks, and mites are the most common external parasites, while tapeworms, roundworms, heartworms, and hooksworms are common internal parasites of pets. A heavy parasite load, external and/or internal, can increase the host’s risks to serious health issues that can have a negative impact on their quality of life. Dogs that don’t receive regular deworming throughout the year, immune-compromised pets, and very young puppies and kittens are vulnerable to the effects of a heavy parasite infestation. Protecting your pet against parasites should be done throughout the year and not only during certain seasons. External parasites can cause a great deal of irritation, itching, and skin problems. There may also be loss of blood, hair loss, and hotspots. Fleas are also known carriers of tapeworms.

Work with your vet Green Bay, WI in creating a year-round parasite preventive program that targets both internal and external parasites. 

Are You Guilty Of These Pet Training Mistakes?

Is your pet’s training seems to be at a standstill? You may be thinking why you are not getting the results you desire. In order to address the issue, start by taking a break from training your pet, take a step back and evaluate the program and the process. This will give you a different perspective of the whole thing and help you straighten out what seems to be getting in the way of your dog’s learning process. Unfortunately, many pet owners are guilty of some mistakes when training their pets. And these mistakes can certainly affect a dog’s ability to learn and comprehend. One of these mistakes is in the use of treats to reinforce desired behavior. While positive reinforcement is an important tool in pet training, pet owners should know when a treat should be given and when to stop giving them. If you are too generous with the treats, your pet will soon learn to perform certain tasks or follow commands when there is a treat. Experts recommend that treats be gradually withdrawn once the dog has fully learned the behavior and/or is consistent in responding to specific commands.

Keep your pet healthy and active by bringing him regularly to your vet clinic Happy Valley, OR.

Common Health Issues That Can Cause Blindness In Dogs

Vision loss in dogs can be congenital or it can be a result of illness, trauma or acquired illness that can affect their sense of sight. Certain dog breeds have higher risks of becoming blind or suffering from eye problems. Vision problems can affect dogs of any age. In senior dogs, it could be part of the aging process as vital organ systems start to deteriorate. Cataract and glaucoma are just two of the most common problems associated with vision problems in dogs. Diabetes is a common predisposing factor of cataract formation and glaucoma. Dogs with cataract have a cloudy eye lens. Glaucoma is a painful condition because of the increased pressured inside the eye. Another important cause of blindness in dogs is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). It is hereditary in certain breeds of dogs and is many caused by retinal degeneration. Unfortunately, there is no successful treatment for PRA. Early detection of eye problems can go a long way in improving prognosis particularly if it is not a congenital problem. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your veterinarians London, ON if you notice changes in your pet’s eyes, behavior, and/or health.