Protect pet from pests

Summer's here, and with it comes fun in the sun, camping and hiking trips to the lake -- and the usual summertime pests. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are visual reminders of the itchy woes we and our pets have to deal with, but there are also those sneaky unseen pests -- waterborne parasites and bacterial infections, to mention just two. While we don't want to get your head spinning with worry, we do want you to know what you and your pets are up against, and how to mitigate any ill effects. As G.I Joe would say, "Knowing is half the battle."

FLEAS

These pests are nearly impossible to avoid for an entire season. Even with shampoos, collars, powders and sprays, your pet may still end up with fleas. The flea life cycle includes the adult flea, eggs, larva and pupa. The adult fleas are responsible for the biting that leads to itching, but they can't survive long if they are not on the pet; once they lay their eggs, they fall off. Fleas also lay their eggs in shady areas outside and around the house.

Most owners first notice frequent and severe itching and scratching, hair lossand scabs on their pets. Often, the hind end is affected more than the front of the body or the head. Other effects include anemia, tapeworm infection(caused by a parasite that finds an intermediate host in the flea), pruritis(intense itching with inflamed skin) and hypersensitivity. There is also plagueand, in cats, the Rickettsia felis and Bartonella hensellae diseases. The best way to check for fleas is with a flea comb. Frequent bathing and combing are essential components of any flea treatment program.

TICKS

Lovely days out in the woods, communing with nature, breathing fresh air... these are the joys of summer. Unfortunately, ticks like these spots, too, and they don't mind waiting for warm-blooded travelers like you and your pet to hitch a ride on.

Ticks have hard back shields and can be felt as small bumps during regular petting. They are visible when the fur is parted. The effects from their bites include blood loss anemia, hypersensitivity, pruritis and damage to the lymphatic, immune and nervous systems. Some of the more serious diseases that ticks can transmit are Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis.

If you will be spending time in grassy or wooded areas with your pet, be sure to do a tick inspection daily so that you can remove the tick before it does damage. Removal technique is important: Make sure to become familiar with the proper procedure before doing it. You don't want to end up with a worse situation because of improper removal.

MOSQUITOES

Even your indoor pets are at risk for the miseries brought on by mosquitoes, since the bugs still get inside on occasion and can bite through screens on windows, where cats tend to rest. Of course, mosquitoes cause itchy bumps, and that is irritating enough -- but they also carry serious, life-threatening diseases. Heartworm, a roundworm that can infect both cats and dogs, is a silent killer that can be treated easily if caught in time. And two diseases that affect both humans and animals, like cats and dogs are Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE), which attacks the brain, and West Nile Virus (WNV).

TAPEWORMS, AKA, CESTODIASIS

These little buggers cause itching in a most unfortunate spot, so if you notice that your dog or cat is dragging its hind end across the floor, or licking its anus more than usual, it may have a case oftapeworms. Tapeworm species include Taenia, Dipylidium Caninum, Echinococcus andMesocestoides. Pieces of the worm may or may not be visible in the feces, so if you suspect an infestation of this parasite, take your pet to the veterinarian for a fecal examination.

Treatment to destroy tapeworms is critical to avoid transmission to humans (typically children) and to avert damage to your pet's body. Tapeworms are usually picked up through fleas, when an animal ingests an infected flea, and when animals ingest smaller wild animals that are infected, such as rabbits, birds and rodents.

BOTFLY

Also called the Cuterebra, the botfly hangs out in grass, latching onto warm-blooded animals that pass by. Symptoms of botfly infection include seizures, aggression, blindness, and warbles, or lumps, in the skin where the botfly has taken up residence. In cats, the cuterebra larva typically travels to the brain.

SARCOPTES SCABIEI MITE

Most prevalent in the summer months, the condition caused by this mite -- known as scabies ormange -- is more of a nuisance than a danger. Of course, any condition that results in open wounds is dangerous because it opens the body to bacterial invasion. The most common risk of exposure comes from contact with other animals and outdoor activities. Treatment is the same as for fleas but more aggressive, with quarantining and thorough baths.

AQUATIC AND FUNGAL PARASITES

At some point in the summer, it gets too hot to do anything but find a body of water and jump in. While we would never dissuade you from doing that, we do want you to be an informed swimmer. One type of waterborne parasite, the Heterobilharzia americanum, a flatworm, uses water snails as their intermediate hosts until they are big enough to search for larger, warmer-blooded hosts. Symptoms and signs can range from relatively mild, such as diarrhea and itching, to severe organ and intestinal damage. This is most common in southern waters and is most likely to affect sporting dogs that fetch in wet and wooded areas, but it can infect anyone who swims in contaminated waters. Another type of parasitic bacteria picked up in wet, subtropical areas is theLeptospira interrogans, a corkscrew-shaped bacteria that burrows into the skin and spreads through the bloodstream.

Where the climate is drier, the Coccidioides immitis is the culprit for a host of nasty conditions. These fungal spores behave like parasites; they spread when the dirt they live in is disturbed by rain or digging, and the wind picks them up to disperse them. They are then inhaled or ingested. Diseases that result from this infection include San Joaquin Valley Fever, California Fever, cocci and desert fever. And last, but not even close to least, is the opportunistic Aspergillus mold, which grows in grass clippings and dust. Like the cocci fungus, it also enters through the nasal passages.

We wouldn't want you and your pets to stay cooped up for fear of what is out there. So arm yourself with knowledge and repellants, and get outside. With some vigilance and planning, you will find the end of summer coming much too soon again -- and we'll be here to see you into autumn.

Pets Reduce Stress

When thinking of ways to reduce stress in life, usually techniques like meditation, yoga and journaling come to mind. These are great techniques, to be sure. But getting a new best friend can also have many stress relieving and health benefits. While human friendsprovide great social support and come with some fabulous benefits, this article focuses on the benefits of furry friends: cats and dogs! Research shows that, unless you’re someone who really dislikes animals or is absolutely too busy to care for one properly, pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and other health benefits—perhaps more than people! Here are more health benefits of pets:

Pets Can Improve Your Mood:
For those who love animals, it’s virtually impossible to stay in a bad mood when a pair of loving puppy eyes meets yours, or when a super-soft cat rubs up against your hand. Research supports the mood-enhancing benefits of pets. A recent study found that men with AIDS were less likely to suffer from depression if they owned a pet. (According to a press release, men with AIDS who did not own a pet were about three times more likely to report symptoms of depression than men who did not have AIDS. But men with AIDS who had pets were only about 50 percent more likely to report symptoms of depression, as compared to men in the study who did not have AIDS.)

Pets Control Blood Pressure Better Than Drugs:
Yes, it’s true. While ACE inhibiting drugs can generally reduce blood pressure, they aren’t as effective on controlling spikes in blood pressure due to stress and tension. However, in a , groups of hypertensive New York stockbrokers who got dogs or cats were found to have lower blood pressure and heart rates than those who didn’t get pets. When they heard of the results, most of those in the non-pet group went out and got pets!

Pets Encourage You To Get Out And Exercise:
Whether we walk our dogs because they need it, or are more likely to enjoy a walk when we have companionship, dog owners do than non-pet owners, at least if we live in an urban setting. Because exercise is good for stress management and overall health, owning a dog can be credited with increasing these benefits.

Pets Can Help With Social Support:
When we’re out walking, having a dog with us can make us more approachable and give people a reason to stop and talk, thereby increasing the number of people we meet, giving us an opportunity to increase our network of friends and acquaintances, which also has great stress management benefits.

Pets Stave Off Loneliness and Provide Unconditional Love:
Pets can be there for you in ways that people can’t. They can offer love and companionship, and can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets and are excellent snugglers. And they could be the best antidote to loneliness. In fact, research shows that nursing home residents reported less loneliness when visited by dogs than when they spent time with other people! All these benefits can reduce the amount of stress people experience in response to feelings of social isolation and lack of social support from people.

Pets Can Reduce Stress—Sometimes More Than People:
While we all know the power of talking about your problems with a good friend who’s also a good listener, recent research shows that spending time with a pet may be even better!Recent research shows that, when conducting a task that’s stressful, people actually experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when a supportive friend or even their spouse was present! (This may be partially due to the fact that pets don’t judge us; they just love us.)

It’s important to realize that owning a pet isn’t for everyone. Pets do come with additional work and responsibility, which can bring its own stress. However, for most people, the benefits of having a pet outweigh the drawbacks. Having a furry best friend can reduce stress in your life and bring you support when times get tough.

Helping pets

According to the Center for Disease Control, pet ownership has a number of significant health benefits. Pet owners experience lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and are often more active than those without pets. A National Institute of Health workshop held in 1987 concluded that pets are especially beneficial for older people and children, albeit for quite different reasons. Older people enjoy the companionship and derive health benefits from the increased level of activity and attention that pets generally require, while children learn responsibility and socialization skills in the safety of a nonjudgmental relationship with the family pet. Additionally, scientific studies have shown that people with pets suffer significantly lower levels of stress during major life changes than those without them.

Certainly, relocation is a major life change. Since pets help their owners to cope with the stress surrounding your move, it's only fair that you should help your pets in return by shielding them from as much of the stress and bustle surrounding a move as possible. Veterinarians agree that pets can often suffer more stress during a move than their owners, in part because pets cannot understand why their environment is changing so radically and rapidly. While every pet will react to stress differently, here are some helpful suggestions to consider.

Leave your pet's possessions for last

Packing up your dog's favorite toys or moving your cat's litter box may seem like a small matter to you, but it can be very upsetting to your pet. Since you can't explain to your dog that he'll get his toys back after the move, it's better to leave them out until right before the move. You can then move them at the same time you move him. This will also give your dog a familiar object or two to play with on the journey to your new home, which can relieve some stress in itself.

Plan a sleepover for your pet

One way to spare your pet stress if you are moving within the same city is to arrange for her to stay with a friend for a few days. After the move is complete, you can bring your pet to her new home and allow her to adjust to one major change rather than a whole series of upsetting and repeated changes to her environment.

Last packed, first unpacked

It's a good idea to unpack your pet's toys, food, and litter box first, before allowing him into the new home. Unfamiliar surroundings can be frightening and disorienting for your pet, so seeing the familiar objects from home can help take the edge off a stressful situation. It may also be helpful to physically show your pet the way to the areas that will be important to him, such as food and water dishes, litter boxes, and the all-important doggie door.

Lots of love and attention

Your pet can't tell you how she's feeling, but she often shows it in the way she acts. Make sure your pet gets plenty of cuddles and petting. Praise her for using the doggie door, scratching to be let outside, or finding the litter box; this will reinforce these behaviors and ensure they continue in the new environment. Hugging your pet will make you feel better too, and reduce stress levels for both of you.

Your pet does so much for your family's health and emotional well-being. These simple steps can help you return the favor and reduce stress for your pet when you relocate, ensuring a smoother move for all the members of your family, including the four-footed variety.

Pet Health Insurance

People are becoming more curious about the best pet health insurance. This is more true for those who treat their pets as family. And as you go about pet ownership, you will realize how expensive it can be to have you furry companions go through a periodic medical check up to ensure that they are at the top of their health all the time.

Once you start searching for the insurance companies, you will notice that you have so many to choose from. But do not take anything just because it seems to offer the best plans. You must do further research to be sure that you are getting into the real deal. Think about your pets. What do you think will be best for them?

And do not forget the most important rule when you are on the process of finding the right policy for your pet, ask questions. The process is similar to the steps you take when you avail insurance policies for yourself. You must choose the one that will be all worth it in the end. You must feel secure that your policy will take care of you if anything happens all of a sudden like an accident or certain illnesses.

Your role in determining what insurance will work best for your pets is to ask the right questions. If you have no idea on how to go about it, you can start with these selections.

1. Can I avail the service of my chosen vet? Different companies will have different answers to this one depending on their rules and the policy that you will be getting. It is important to know at first hand that when an accident happen, you can bring your pet to the nearest vet and not worry about if they are affiliated with the insurance company or not. But if it is okay with you that the company has a list of service providers, then you must get a copy of that list. This way, you will know where to run once an unexpected incident happen to you pet.

2. Do I need to get a comprehensive plan or a discount insurance plan? This will very much depend on your budget. The comprehensive insurance plan works more like the health insurance of humans. Whereas a discount plan will require you to pay annual fees and you will only avail of discount services with regards to pets and other related examinations.

3. Is there any exclusion to the plan? The answer to this will depend on the insurance company. But the most common exclusions include pre-existing health conditions as well as hereditary defects of your pets. So you have to tell them the exact situation of your furry friend. This way, they will be able to present to you what they deem will suit your pet the best way possible.

4. Are there any deductibles that I have to pay? This will depend on the plan that you will be getting. The deductible is the first payment that you have to give before you can utilize the policy. The smaller this is, the higher your premium will be. But this must be decided according to what you can afford. So look at your budget closely and allocate for such fund wisely. By asking around the right questions, in time, you will be able to find the best pet health insurance that will perfectly fit on your pet’s needs and on your budget.

A Bed for Your Dog

Everyone and everything needs sleep. During sleep the body restores itself to prepare for the next day. Getting a good night's sleep it vital for all living creatures. Dogs love to sleep! And, they usually like to sleep in the same place.

Getting a dog bed for your pooch will not go unappreciated. A dog sleeping on a cold floor is uncomfortable - cold draws away body heat, and make the animal cold. Getting a bed for your dog will have its benefits for you as well. A dog without its own bed will not always sleep on the floor - especially if you are not around. Fido sleeps on the couch, or in a chair or even on your bed. After all, doggie doesnt want to sleep on a cold hard floor if there is something soft and cushie available!

A dog bed will also cut down on the amount of dog fur you find all over the furniture. After all, if your dog is not sleeping on the furniture, there will be less of it around.

Dog beds do not need to be expensive for your dog to enjoy it. They are very comfortable for your pet, and some even come with headrests. Your dog will go back to it again and again. Plus it won't be straining your dog's bones, as sleeping in the floor does, and it will help with circulation.

Do both you and your dog a favor and get a dog bed! It will be the best decision and one you will never reqret!

Holidays for Pets

The holidays are exciting and hectic times for the entire family, pets

included. While your family pets will enjoy being included in the festivities, they may also encounter situations that can be hazardous. Each year, thousands of pets are taken to animal hospitals for treatment of holiday related injuries or illnesses.

Some of the more common holiday hazards include:

Bones: Turkey or ham will leave a lot of tantalizing bones – DO NOT FEED THEM TO YOUR PETS! Small bones and bone chips can lodge in the throat, stomach, and intestinal tract.

Fat: Food with high fat content, such as gravies and poultry skin, can cause severe stomach upset. You don’t do your pet any favors by sharing the holiday food.

Sweets: Too much candy can lead to stomach upset, and CHOCOLATE CAN BE FATAL! Keep holiday sweets out of reach of your pets.

Plants: Holly and mistletoe are poisonous when eaten, and the sap and leaves poinsettias cause severe stomach upset. Keep plants out of reach of pets.

Holiday trees: Anchor your tree securely: a tree climing cat or a big dog with a wagging tail could topple a tree. Preservatives in the tree water can cause intestinal problems, especially if you add sugar or aspirin to the water, so make sure the base of water is inaccessible to pets.

Ornaments: Sharp or breakable ornaments, small dreidels, tinsel, and ribbon can injure your pets. Safeguard them at all costs.

Stress and Strangers: With visitors coming and going, keep an eye out for open doors. Make sure your pets have identification in case they slip out. Provide a quiet, special place for your pets to retreat to when festivities become overwhelming.

DOG CLOTHING

To some dog owners, a sweater on a pet is like adult clothing on a child. Looks cute, but isn't functional. To the contrary, there are many solid reasons for clothing your pet. Warmth is number one.

Many pets do not have the necessary coat thickness for comfort outdoors in cold climates. And, unlike your pet's outdoor-roaming ancestors, most modern dogs spend their lives primarily indoors. Since we add extra layers to go outdoors in winter, it makes sense that our dogs would need a little something extra to tackle howling wind, rain, or freezing temperatures.

Rain gear keeps your pet dry in wet weather; sweaters and coats provide the insulation he needs. Also, older dogs, like older people, may feel the cold more than they did when they were younger. A sweater, coat and even boots are just the ticket to keep him more comfortable outdoors or more toasty in a drafty home.

Dog clothing serves other beneficial purposes too. For pets with allergies, a layer of clothing can make itchy skin less accessible to scratching, chewing, and licking. Clothing can also keep allergies off of the dog's skin, thus decreasing exposure to what makes him scratch. Similarly, when people are allergic to their pets, pet clothing helps trap the dander that would ordinarily fall onto your floors and furniture. Simply remove the clothing and wash to get rid of the allergy causing dander.