Gearing Up for Flea and Tick Season

Among the parasites in cats and dogs, fleas and ticks are two of the most common. Taking steps to protect your pet from tick or flea infestations is very important. This is because they do not just suck blood from your pet; ticks and fleas can also be vectors of diseases that can affect both pets and humans.  A very heavy flea and tick infestation in a very young puppy or kitten can bring about anemia, and eventually, death.

A flea bite can, for the most part, only cause slight skin irritation in some pets.  Then some pets are hypersensitive to bites from fleas and can induce dermatitis from a flea allergy.  Your pet might have extreme itching on its skin, causing irritation and persistent scratching that can lead to significant hair loss and infect open skin wounds.  These wounds can form scabs all over the body, as well as raw patches of skin that becomes irritated.  Removing the fleas that are on your pet and preventing a future infestation is still the primary way to combat flea allergy dermatitis.

Be careful not to use dog flea and tick products on cats, unless specifically advised by your local vet Carolina Forest SC.

Trimming Your Pooch’s Nails

Just about every dog will need regular nail trims. When Fido’s nails get too long, theycan split or fracture painfully, and even start to affect your dog’s gait. Luckily, trimming your dog’s nails doesn’t have to be difficult.

First, gather your supplies. You’ll need a set of canine-specific nail trimmers (never use trimmers made for humans or other kinds of animals!), a styptic pen to staunch any bleeding, and a few dog treats. Select a paw to start with, and extend one nail. Gently use your trimmers to snip the tip of the nail—only try to blunt the tip. If you cut too far, you could snip the vein running into the nail and cause bleeding. That’s where your styptic pen will come in handy. Move on to the other nails, and give your dog a treat once you’re done.

Need help with your dog’s nail trims? Contact your veterinarian Dallas GA. 

Should Pet Owners Switch Their Pet's Food To Natural-Based Food?

 

Artificially sourced ingredients, much like synthetic colorants, flavorings, and preservatives, could have negative effects on pet health. For this reason, an increasing number of pet owners have decided to change their pet’s diet to natural formula pet food, or at least, ones that have the lowest levels of synthetic components.

Luckily, there is an abundance of naturally formulated pet food choices available in stores. Also, online stores allow bulk orders, and veterinary clinics have also been known to sell them. There is also the option of making your dog food for your pet. You can find recipes that have been specifically created for pets to be nutritionally balanced, and can easily be cooked at home. These recipes include combinations of meats and vegetables, as well as other ingredients that simulate a natural diet.

It is important to note, however, that an “all-natural” food diet for your pet does not presumably mean that it will be appropriate. Be sure to check with your vet Shreveport LA before you make any replacements to your pet’s dietary regimen. Visit this homepage to know more.

How To Tell If Your Pets Do Not Get Along

Some cats and dogs can get along well with one another. But some animals do not immediately take a liking to the other species. If they don’t like each other, chaos might ensue.

Here are some signs that your dog and cat are feeling aggressive with one another:

●       Your pet dog would attack the cat when they see each other. Or, the dog could lunge at the cat when the other one enters the room; and

●       Your cat still hisses at the dog even if they have been together for a long time

To ensure that there will be no bad blood between your pets, you need to give them time to get used to one another. The transition period should be long enough for the resident pet to adjust to the presence of the newest pet. Always supervise them during the transition period so you can check if they are hostile with one another.

You can also ask your recommended vet Newmarket ON  for some advice regarding your pet's behavior.

What Is The Difference Between Puppy Food And Adult Dog Food?

 

Providing your pet quality pet food to match his life stage is critical in ensuring that your pet’s specific nutritional needs are satisfied daily. There are significant differences in the formulation of puppy food versus adult dog food. To meet a puppy’s daily nutritional requirements, their development requires that they have twice as much nutrition and extra calories compared to adult dogs. This extra nutrition will help in developing their immune system, their major organs, and their muscles and bones. Puppy specific food is 30% protein and important minerals and vitamins. It also contains higher than usual amounts of fats so that your puppy gets as much energy as he needs.

When transitioning your dog from his puppy food to adult dog food, make sure you do it gradually. Your dog should have a few days to transition and for his digestive system to get accustomed to the new diet formulation. Talk to your veterinarian Shreveport LA before switching your pet’s diet for more information.

How To Prevent Fleas In Ferrets

Fleas can also attack ferrets. In fact, this infestation is common if there are many pet animals in the household. This is a serious concern that needs to be addressed quickly.

A heavy flea infestation may cause severe anemia and skin irritation in the affected ferrets. Some ferrets may also be hypersensitive to an allergen that is present in the saliva of fleas causing them to develop intense itching. The problem is similar to flea hypersensitivity in cats and dogs.

But it is not recommended to use the same anti-flea medication that is used for dogs or cats on pet ferrets. The medication may contain ingredients that can cause adverse effects to the ferret, making it unsafe for use.

Unfortunately, there are not that many anti-flea medications formulated for ferrets. Do not self-medicate. Instead, consult your veterinarian Oshawa, ON for an effective and safe treatment that can be used.  The vet may prescribe off-label products that are appropriate for ferrets.

How To Effectively Kill Fleas With Sprays And Foggers

 

Flea infestation is a serious concern. This parasite attacks not only the dogs but also humans. The flea's bite is very itchy and uncomfortable. So you can imagine what a mess it will be if the infestation spreads to everyone in the household

Fleas can easily multiply. The eggs can grow even in the most extreme conditions. If no action is done, expect the flea population to increase in a few days.

Some of the products you can use to eradicate fleas are spot-on treatments, oral flea tablets, flea soap and shampoo, flea collars, and flea dips. Meanwhile, flea sprays and foggers are effective in controlling a large population of fleas.

Sprays and fogs can eradicate fleas of various life stages. However, owners should use precautionary measures before using the spray because the chemical is harmful to everyone, especially children.

Ask your vet clinic White Rock, TX for a product that you can use safely on your pet. And you should also check the ingredients carefully before using them in your household.