Category: Pets

Does your dog suffer from a bad case of puppy breath? Perhaps you’re at your wit’s end with trying to figure out an unintrusive, simple, and effective method of ridding your best furry friend of the dead fish fragrance that always seems to be wafting over its tongue? Well, never fear pet lover. There are a few simple and super easy preventative measures that almost anyone can take to improve the overall quality of your dog’s breath as well as its dental health in general!

It starts with the basics. Dogs love to chew, and nature has provided them with some little known benefit whenever they go about this behavior to which they are so inclined. Chewing rawhide or raw bones can greatly decrease the occurrence of bad dog breath. The reason being, that chewing on this surface acts as a sort of makeshift toothbrush, cleaning up all the plaques build-up as they chomp away. If these are too small, and your dog tends to eat them whole, you will have to purchase the larger mutton type bones that are too big to swallow.

If your dog just isn’t interested in chewing, or you just prefer the more personal touch then brushing your dog’s teeth is always an option. If you do this, make sure to focus most of your efforts on the top row of teeth. That area is the most prone to tartar build-up.

Another very simple solution is the water additive: Biotene. This is a dental hygiene product that has multiple uses. Veterinarians most often use it as an additive which inhibits plaque growth as well as the bacterial growth responsible for bad dog breath, whenever it’s added to a dog’s daily water supply. It’s non-toxic and completely safe for your dog to ingest daily. It’s an effective and easy method for daily teeth cleanings without relying on brushing.

 

Though to really keep your dog’s teeth in top condition, a healthy diet is always the best dental protection. Refer back to this older blog post: /blog/57838/dog-nutrition-puts-you-in-an-awkward-position.html to help you decide which dog food best suits your pup. Or perhaps consider your own homemade recipe, which is often the best method to keep track of exactly what kind of nutrition is going into your dog’s diet.

Finally, veterinarians are always the ones that are most qualified to make dental determinations on your pet’s health. You should schedule regular visits to ensure overall health, and make certain to inquire about any dog dental problems you might have encountered between visits. Bad dog breath is enough to deal with, but it can often be a symptom of a bigger problem, so be sure to consult your vet regularly. It’s also important to note that these visits need to become more frequent as your dog ages, as plaque and bacterial infections build up quicker in older dogs with weaker immune systems.

If you try all that and the breath still stinks, you might need to feed them a steady diet of Altoids!
 

 

With all this concern about global warming, emissions controls and lowering our carbon foot prints; I am proud to say that no stone is being left unturned, as even our furry friends learn to reduce their little carbon paw prints on the world, along with their humans.
 
And there is no reason that we shouldn’t all join in, as it encourages a pet friendly earth for as long as possible. 
 
My own pets and I, have been experimenting with the process of reducing our waste and making better use of what we buy and use. It’s been fun to put the internets best methods to the test and find out the best ways for everyone to contribute to making the earth a healthier place to live.
 
I think the easiest method was switching over to chemical-free pet shampoo’s and conditioners. It turns out, they are actually gentler on my pets skin, which is a definite bonus on top of knowing that most of the ingredients were fair trade and made from natural ingredients. My dog and I found out over time, that we didn’t need to bath nearly as much with the good stuff either, as it allowed the natural oils in his skin to quickly come back after a bath and last for a good long time, keeping him cleaner and lowering the number of pests he would come inside with during the day.

 

One of my fondest memories of lowering our carbon paw print, was when I found instructions for making our own cardboard kitty scratcher pads out of our old cardboard waste. It was a bit of a challenge, but the great things was that we saved a bunch of money, which meant I could afford some locally grown catnip to throw on top. And I tell you want, all four of my cats were in kitty-heaven when I brought home both ingredients and laid them out for them. My son and I spent a good hour watching them play and enjoy themselves on something as simple as recycled cardboard. I very much doubt they knew or card that it wasn’t brand new cardboard.
 
Last, but certainly not least, my favorite experiment in reducing waste and spoiling my pets, was when my oldest son and I spent the day making new beds for our 4 cats and 1 dog. We found an article that showed us how to turn old pillowcases, clothes, sheets and t-shirts into dog and cat beds, which took us all day, but by the time we were done, it was quite impressive.
 
That was several months ago when we did it, but everyone still looks amazed anytime they see our pets lounging on their artistically designed bedding.
 
I would definitely encourage any of my readers to try out their own ways of reducing their pets carbon paw prints. Anything from getting locally made pet foods, to repurposed toys, all the way up to adopting a new family member from a local shelter. There definitely is no lack of things you can try!

Everyone knows it’s a good idea to spay and neuter your pets. Bob Barker, (rest his soul) made sure we knew. However, not everyone knows the many reasons behind this practice. It’s not as cut and dry as simply preventing unwanted, neglected, and abandoned puppies or kittens, although that is certainly the most prescient motive. The fact is that there are a multitude of reasons concerning health, behavior, and genetics that make it very important to keep your pets from copulating. So let’s take a moment to try and understand the causes behind the castrations.

Let’s start with diseases. A wide range of dog diseases can be completely neutralized by eliminating the testicles. Everything from skin disorders to small cancerous tumors around the anus can be avoided simply by making a quick snip. This is because elevated testosterone in the blood of dogs can be very toxic to their systems, and produce a boat load of problems. For example:

 

• BPH, or benign prostate hyperplasia
• Prostatitis
• Prostatic abscess
• Perianal or perineal adenomas (those aforementioned tiny cancers occurring around the anus of male dogs)
• Perineal hernias
• Some forms of dermatoses, or castration-responsive skin disorders
• And these are just the conditions that can be brought on from testosterone! There’s a whole other list of conditions that can occur just because your dog’s testicles are out and exposed to the elements. Needless to say they’re even less pleasant to think about than the ones listed above.

  Then there are the behavioral issues that neutering can solve. If your male dog is super aggressive, and still running stock with all the equipment nature gave him, the chances are a quick trip to the vet will make him a lot friendlier to the mail man. Not only that, but it greatly reduces the chances of an embarrassing humping episode from playing out in public. Neutered male dogs are much less likely to mark territory inside the home, they aren’t as prone to roaming about looking for females, and they shouldn’t be as aggressively protective of their resources: toys, food, companions, etc.

  
  Finally, neutering is important so as to keep the gene pool free from defects. Dog breeding is a prestigious profession for a reason. It’s hard work that entails a lot of research into family lines, and genetic histories of different dogs. The reason being that they don’t want a pup with a family who has a history of canine leukemia. If your dog even has a recessive trait that could be passed on to his pups, it’s very important that he not be allowed to procreate. It’s up to human beings to keep our best friends a healthy and happy domesticated species.

  And of course, it would be silly not to at least mention the fact that millions of puppies are annually abandoned, neglected, and/or euthanized for the simple reason that no one has the time or resources to take care of them. So unless you know for a fact that your pup is fine breeding material, do the smart thing and visit your local vet!
  

Pet allergies are the worst. They can hinder your ability to live with pets, and make you miserable if agitated without treatment. Sniffling, sneezing, and a runny nose are the least of the problem for some. At the very worst stages of allergic reactions, asthma attacks can even prove life threatening. Unfortunately, some pet owners don’t even realize that they’re allergic to their dog or cat until after they’ve brought them into the home! Luckily, there are some preventative measures for highly allergic people to take to avoid family pet deportation.

First off, there is some basic information that needs to be addressed; there are no allergy free dogs or cats. All pets have dander, (the skin flakes in an animal’s fur) and all dander has an effect. The determining factors are your own sensitivity to the stuff, and the amount of dander that your pet produces. As a general rule, a cat allergy is more prevalent than a dog allergy. However, the results are highly variable, as some people are allergic to specific breeds, or species to a greater degree than others. Another counter-intuitive pearl of allergenic wisdom is that breeds with softer continuously shedding coats are normally better for people with pet allergies. Which is somewhat odd, considering most people associate shedding with sneezing.

So what to do? Begin by making certain of your allergies and go see an allergist to diagnose the cause. After all, it would be bad to blame a poor innocent puppy for something that your moldy polyester blankets in the back of the closet are responsible for. After you’ve made certain the pet is to blame, invest in an air purifier. Ideally you would want a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Purifier. These bad boys will pick all the worst bits of allergens out of the air and leave you breathing easy. If the dander your pet exudes is really out of control, you might need one in every room.

Make sure to leave at least one room off limits to your pets, that way you always have a safe haven if the atmosphere becomes too disagreeable. Weekly baths are also a must. Keeping your dog or cat clean will immeasurably reduce the amount of pet pollution they’re producing. And if all else fails, you may consider getting some allergy treatments to help you deal with the dander. There are a wide range of treatment options for all but the most meager of budgets. The most common treatments can include:

 

• Antihistamine pills
• Antihistamine nasal sprays
• Steroidal treatments
• Allergy shots–>this one is particularly effective
• Beyond these treatments, the best method is to employ every method at your disposal. Proper house cleaning, weekly pet baths, air purification, and regularly scheduled appointments at your local allergist’s office are almost certain to clear up any avoidable allergic reactions. So unless you are just having a good time of suffering through the consistent nasal drip, try to make a trip to see a medical professional as soon as possible!
  

Getting down and dirty with the behaviors of parasitic worms commonly found infecting pets, is one of the best ways you could ever reward yourself and your family. This holds especially true if you have young children, as they are the most at risk for sharing unfriendly parasites such as roundworms, hookworms or ringworms.
 
Our young children are not the only ones susceptable to worms though, as plenty of adults and seniors find they can contract worms as well. It’s simply more difficult for worms to infect adults, as we tend to avoid the objects and places where worm-infected pets might have played. The reason our innocent little angels and their furry companions, are able to quote: “share”, is because our young children enjoy the pleasure of putting just about everything in their mouths and they love playing where the pets play. And despite our best efforts to keep our kids squeaky clean, there will still be times when they do something that puts them at risk of contracting parasitic worms.
 
More often than not, it is usually the household feline that is responsible for contaminating the kids, as they enjoy pooping in the sandbox and in other areas where little ones will play. Though that doesn’t leave our canine friends any less innocent, as puppies as much as any other pet, have a habit of relieving themselves in inappropriate places in the house. This leaves the opportunity ripe for kids to get worms.
 
It can happen this way, because most worm-like parasites, are able to live dormant for very long periods of time. If the environment is fertile enough, like in soil or sand, they can live as long as seven years. They get there, more often then not, when your loving puppy or kitten, goes to the bathroom in un-designated areas. If your sweet canine or feline, happened to have worms at that time, they will have had released worm eggs along with their feces. Now, even though we all dotefully clean up after our pets indoor messes, worms have evolved to be very tricky creatures. Even when we think we have eliminated them, they can often sneak away unseen.

 

Hookworms in particular, are especially challenging, as they has extra survival mechanisms that roundworms and ring worms do not. Hookworms have the unique ability of entering our bodies through this skin. Many parents will recognize when their children have hookworms, because their children will have developed a strange and itchy rash. All other types of worm must enter through your digestive system, rendering them useless from only skin contact. Still, all worms are harmful to your child’s health and well-being.
 
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to be proactive about prevent, and there are plenty of worm fighting antibiotics that your child can take, to rid them of worms. The more important factor to focus on, is the first aspect – prevention.
 
Keeping your family pets free from fleas, is the best way to ensure your home stays worm-free. Helping them stay away from gourmet fecal meals from other animals, is the second best way to make sure that your pets don’t get worms. It also keeps their breath smelling nicer.
 
Now, while there are plenty of alternative health remedies, prevention treatments and supplements that you can use to help prevent your animals from getting worms, your best plan of action is to invest in a once a month prevention treatment from Drontal or other top name brand medications. By doing this, you will save yourself the time and money of both a vet visit and a human visit, to de-worm you or your child, and your pet. By being so proactive, you will also be ensuring that your pup or kitten will not be spreading parasite to other animals in the neighborhood.

 

 

 

If you notice your dog or cat showing signs of any of these symptoms, call your vet right away:

 

Muscle Weakness/In-Coordination – In 1% of clinical trials, some pets experienced extreme muscle weakness which lead to difficulty standing or walking. This can happen if your pet gets too large of a dose, or if they have a natural undiagnosed allergy to anything in the treatment. If this happens, your pet will need to see a vet right away. Because of this risk, it is always best to try any new pet treatments in the morning, so that if any adverse reactions appear, you will have plenty of time to get your pet into a vet within the same day.

 

Rapid Breathing/Panting – Because Revolution enters the blood stream, it can sometimes have a negative effect on your pets heart. In a small minority of pets, this can cause hypertension, which can lead to stroke or heart attach. If you notice these your pet is panting excessively or breathing very rapidly, take them into the near vet as soon as possible.

 

Muscle Tremors – If you notice that your pet is shaking uncontrollably or experiencing heavy muscle tremors, call your vet and schedule an appointment for as soon as possible.

 

Skin Burning – Out of 1743 animals tested, less than 2% had an adverse reaction that caused their skin to burn after application of any chemical pet treatments. If you notice that your pets skin appears is covered in a rash, peeling or your pet seems to be in great discomfort around the application site, you will want to take them into a vet right away.

 

 

 

Most of these reactions rarely occur in 5 out of 100 animals, meaning that it is not likely that your pet will have a serious reaction. Though being armed with this knowledge, helps you care for them if they do happen to be a part of the 5%.

 

And now that we’ve gotten through the tougher parts of this discussion, let’s cover the more common side effects and some ways that you can help your pet cope with them, while the treatment relieves them of pests.

 

Temporary Hair Loss – More often then not, this happens with animals who already have sensitive skin, and with most of those cases, the sensitive pet is even more in need of pest treatment than pets who are not so sensitive. Though because the pet has sensitive skin, they will sometimes lose some of the fur around the site where you put the treatment. So long as they do not appear to have been burned, they should regrow the hair within a week or two at most.

 

Digestive Upset – Diarrhea, vomiting and stomach upset are the most common digestive side effects. They can cause your dog or cat to not want to eat or play for a little while until their body has processed the parasiticide. You can help them through these side effects by making sure they drink plenty of fresh distilled water, which will help keep them hydrated and help them process the treatments more easily.

 

 

Drowsiness – On the other side of the coin, some dogs and cats have seen the alter-reaction to hyperactivity, which is Drowsiness or Lethargy. As their body gives into the process of the pest treatments, they might need to sleep while the battle between bugs and love, wages on. If your animal finds themselves with this reaction, the best thing you can do is to help them get comfortable, and then check on them from time to time, to make sure they are still able to get up, walk around a bit and drink some water.

 

 

When this happens, it most often causes excessive drooling as their body works to get the taste and the chemicals out of their mouth. You can help your pet through this by offering them plenty of fresh water to drink.

 

How to Litter Box Train a Kitten in 5 Steps
 

 

Step 1. Be Prepared

 

Most of the time, the worst chaos involved with litter box training, comes when we are not sure what to expect. Thankfully, there is not a lot of complication or complexity involved with the process of training your kitten to successful use their litter box.

 

You simply need to be prepared by having the right tools and the right attitude.

 

 

Step 2. Get The Right Gear

 

In order to effectively train you kitty to use their new potty, with few challenges, you’ll want to make sure you obtain a shallow litter pan, some organic kitty litter, plenty of news paper, garbage bags and a litter scooper. If your young kitten happens to have a more headstrong personality, you might also consider investing in some treats that he or she really likes, to help you convince them that the littler box is a great place to go.

 

 

Step 3. Regular Introductions

 

In the beginning, the most difficult part about litter box training, is in getting your kitten to feel comfortable with being in the litter box with the litter and understanding that you want them to use the litter as a place to relieve themselves.

 

To overcome this challenge, I find that it is best to take your kitten and place them in the litter box regularly, even though it might not seem like they have to go. When they are in there, try and be as happy and positive as you can, as this will help your kitty understand that you want them to use the litter box.

 

 

These are the thoughts behind today’s post, in which I want to share with you my dog Bear‘s favorite recipe for Peanut Butter Puppy Chow.

 

I was experimenting in the kitchen one day when Bear was still just a few months old, when I mixed together a couple of recipes for puppy chow and homemade dog treats. I honestly hadn’t expected it to turn out well back then, as I was still pretty new to the world of pet-cookery.

 

Still it must’ve had been wonderful, because Bear still inhales the homemade kibble anytime I make it for him. He’s definitely not a puppy anymore, but it never hurts to give him an extra boost of protein and home cooked love whenever I have the time.

 

For This Recipe, You Will Need:

 

4 Cups of Unprocessed Wheat Flour

2 Cups of Powdered Organic Milk

2 Cups of Organic Peanut Butter

1 Pound of Organic Ground Beef

1 Cup of Organic Sweet Peas

1 Cup of Lard or Shortening

2 Cups of Rolled Oats

 

10. Home Made Peanut Butter Dog Treats – A home made meal definitely warms the heart, but nothing tingles those canine taste buds like home made peanut butter dog treats. Plus, they are a healthy way to include your pet when you’re making treats for the rest of the family.
 

 

9. Repurposed Dog Toys and Beds – There reason your holiday gifts cannot be both amazing and practical, which means you are green lighted to get your puppy some repurposed dog toys, or maybe some new bedding to keep them warm during the cold winter nights.

 

8. A Doggy Car Seatbelt – This is a great gift to get for the dog who lives to ride in the car as often as they possibly can. A doggy seatbelt makes sure that they are safely buckled in like everyone else, which means they are less at risk to cause an accident by distracting their driver, and less at risk if an accident happens for any other reason.

 

7. Doggy Day Spa Trip – Not all dogs will enjoy this gift, but for the pampered pooch who loves to be babied, groomed and fawned over for a day, will love a trip to a doggy day spa.

 

6. Recycled Tire Toys – Kong is the most popular brand around here, though you might know other fantastic dog toy makers who create the funnest toys out of recycled tire rubber. Even if you haven’t ever heard of them before, recycled tire toys are fantastic for dogs with a need to chew (and chew and chew..), which makes them a great gift to let your pup unwrap to keep them busy while you make the evening dinner.

 

Nothing says Pest-Free like Advocate for Dogs.

Feature Image via epiphanyglass.com

Cats are of a much more independent nature than dogs, and are therefore far less prone to separation anxiety. However, their fickle nature makes this problem an ever present threat that can be triggered with very little warning. To make matters worse, cats rarely exhibit the symptoms as obviously as dogs will. When a cat is upset it will do any number of things to relieve stress. To keep kitty from suffering, here are some of the top symptoms and solutions for separation anxiety in cats.

Separation Anxiety Symptoms:

• Excessive leg rubbing or clawing- While most cats are affectionate, there is usually a limit. If your cat insistently passes its daily allotment of rubbing every time you walk in the door, or likes to greet you with a scratch, you might have a problem.
• Shadowing and Blockading- If your cat is following you from room to room, or trying to stand between you and the front door, he or she probably doesn’t want you to go too far.
• OCD cleaning- Cats keep clean with daily grooming. However, if your cat is grooming to such an extent that it’s losing fur, then separation anxiety is a definite possibility.
• Ignoring the litter box- Cats know exactly where they should go, but depending on their attitude towards you they may just choose to do their business on the bed. This is not a sign of a contented kitty cat.
• Chewing, scratching, or biting- If your cat begins to have a problem keeping its destructive impulses confined to the scratching post, they may be suffering from separation anxiety.
• Loss of appetite or nausea- nervousness and anxiety can cause your cat to eschew its food and even retch. Be on the lookout for this unfortunate behavior.

Cats, as always, end up being a little more complicated than dogs. As such the tricks you’ll have to use to keep your kitty behaving while you’re gone are a bit more complex as well.

Separation Anxiety Solutions:

 

• Counter-conditioning-You’ll have to be extremely repetitive with your actions before leaving the house in order to reduce the amount of stress a cat has when it sees them. Cats pay a lot of attention to detail so anything that you do regularly including:
  • Picking up your keys
  • Putting on your shoes
  • Opening up the door
  • Carrying a purse/suitcase
  • Packing a bag
• All of these should be repeated 10 to 50 times in a clear line of sight for the cat.
  • Use catnip- Toss some in your suitcase so the cat correlates the bag with fun rather than you leaving, or leave some on the ground when you leave to keep kitty busy.
  • Leave the TV on the nature channel or other cat-centered programming
  • Leave harp music on the radio. Apparently, harp music is shown to have a soothing effect on felines. Who’d have thought?
  • Toys- Just like dogs, cats can be easily distracted.

  Apply these cat tactics, and the anxiety problems should cease fairly quickly. But if your cat’s behavioral problems persist, it is advisable to consult your vet for further professional council.

The whole world may not revolve around you, but you are definitely the center of your pet’s universe. You provide the food, toys, massages, and affection that keeps them either purring or panting as the case may be. So when you leave the house, even for a short period of time, their reactions can seem severe. This Separation anxiety is a common problem with dogs, and an occasional one with cats. Its symptoms aren’t extremely obvious, and it can take a keen eye to pick up on anything amiss. Here are a few things to look out for, and some possible solutions to the problem.

What’s the Deal with Dogs?

Dogs are much more dependent on human interaction than cats. Because of this, separation anxiety can really strike a familiar chord for many dog owners. To make matters even more complex, symptoms of separation anxiety can easily be confused with a little overzealous behavior. Be on the lookout for one or all of the following symptoms:

• A dog shadow-dogs love to be underfoot, but when they can’t stand to be apart from you when you get up to leave the room, you might have a problem.
• Stressed behavior such as whining or relentless pacing while you’re preparing to leave.
• Barking, scratching, and whimpering at the door after you’ve made your exit.
• Accidents happen, but when the indoor pee/poop problem persists, something has to be done.
• Wanton destruction of carpet, plants, or furniture.
• If you notice trembling upon your return.

 

Remember not to be a hypochondriac for your dog. This behavior when isolated and inconsistent isn’t necessarily grounds for alarm. Be wary when the pet’s actions become extreme and continuous.

What to do?

Some easy solutions for separation anxiety in dogs are as follows:

• Exercise- they can’t freak out if they’re too tired!
• Strategic meal times- food makes pets drowsy too.
• Different toys-Dogs get bored just like humans; keep them entertained with an abundance of chewies.
• Freezing food inside of a toy- This can keep them busy for quite a while!
• Teach the dog to sit and stay- If a dog learns that it can serenely stay in a room without you, you’ve won half the battle.

If this all fails, you may want to consider asking your vet about anti-anxiety medication for pets. There’s a large variety of products available. You can also do a lot by creating a “safe place” that your dog goes to every time you leave. This place should include some dirty laundry that smells like you, some favorite toys, and a view of the outside to distract the dog. Or consider leaving your dog with a doggy daycare service, friend, or family member whenever you’ll be gone for a significant period of time.

If you have a really persistent problem with your dog’s separation anxiety, then you’ll definitely have to consult your vet for further advice. That’s all the time we have for today’s post, but check back tomorrow, where we’ll cover the symptoms and solutions to a cat’s separation anxiety.

As we all know, dog training is no quick and easy endeavor, it takes time, patience, and determination. At the end of the day, it’s possible to bring your dog to a proficient level of understanding in most respects, using nothing but a reassuring voice and some tasty snacks. However, this isn’t always the easiest approach. Because of the widespread popularity of dogs, there has been an explosion in the production of dog training equipment. Some of these tools are near essential, while others are looking to scam you out of a quick buck. Since the goal here at Pet bucket is to ensure a happy and healthy pet, we’ve compiled a short list of some of our favorite and most effective dog training tools.
 

1. Shock collars:

Many complain about the negative reinforcement method that a shock collar employs. However, when it comes to the results of such training, most recognize this as an “ends justifying means” scenario. The shock therapy is highly recommended in cases of extremely stubborn or dangerous behavior patterns. If this option still seems a bit barbaric for your delicate little doggy you can always go with the sonic option. Instead of an electric shock, this collar works by delivering a tone to let the dog know if it’s not being well-behaved.  Both collar types come with a wide variety of options customized to fit your dog’s precise needs, such as remote control, noise-trigger, invisible fencing, and much more.
 

 

• Leash Training Harnesses:
• Leash training is one of the essential but most difficult dog training endeavors. Dogs instinctively push forward against any force pulling them backward. That can often end up with a dog half-strangling itself in an attempt to chase some squirrels. Luckily, you can avoid canine asphyxiation with some clever collar alternatives. There are harnesses that tighten around the chest and backs of dogs as they exert pressure, and the leaders that divert their momentum to the side as they rush forward. These gentle leaders can be either hooked around the chest or around the snout, so long as you don’t have a pug-faced dog.  You’ll notice a huge difference in your walks if you give these momentum diverters a try.
   
  3. Clickers:

  These unassuming yet useful instruments are fairly self-explanatory. They make a satisfying click noise whenever you push them. This can be used as an audible cue for your dog to pick up on whenever you feel like rewarding them for being well-behaved. It’s a simple yet extremely effective trick, and has been used as a mainstay in obedience training for many years.

  Canine training tools run the gamut from simple and cheap to fancy and expensive. Use your best judgment before purchasing a training tool. It’s important to recognize your dog as an individual with distinctive reasons for his or her behavioral ticks. Make sure to always keep this in mind whenever engaging in a training session. And always avidly peruse the Pet bucket blog for more helpful training tips!

Stronghold flea and worm medication is another fine example of a multifaceted and all inclusive medication to defend your pet against all sorts of foreign invaders. The advantage of a treatment like Stronghold is that it is a sort of one stop shop for almost any parasitic problems you might encounter. True to its name, Stronghold turns your pet into an indomitable fortress designed to take out parasites at every turn. This simple spot on medication protects your pet on the outside from fleas, sarcoptic mange, ticks, and ear mites as well as the inside from worms that plague the intestinal tract and heart.

The active ingredient in Stronghold is known as Selamectin. It’s a water resistant chemical that absorbs into your dog or cat by way of the hair follicles and skin, it then travels through the sebaceous glands, bloodstream, and intestines going to work on whatever foreign attacker is closest at hand and all set to be destroyed. It has separate uses depending on which animal it’s used on. In dogs it kills certain varieties of fleas as well as the aforementioned ear mites, while in cats the chemical takes its pound of flesh from intestinal worms. To be more precise, it works most notably against hookworms and roundworms.

Like any other spot on medication that’s worth its salt, Stronghold is convenient in a number of ways. For starters, it’s fast acting. It begins killing parasites within 30 minutes of an application. It’s long-lasting as well. Just one treatment is worth 30 days of parasite protection. Another great feature is that bathing the dog won’t reduce the drug’s efficacy, at least not after a grace period of 30 minutes, right about the time you’d want to start washing off the dead fleas!

 

Another lesser known bonus application of Stronghold is its effectiveness on newborn puppies. Puppies are too young and fragile to be treated with any pet medications directly. However, it’s perfectly safe to treat their mother before the litter has been weaned. Do you get where this is going? The lactating mother canine is able to act as a filter and transmitter for the puppies’ flea prevention. It’s a handy feature, because it’s absolutely heartbreaking to see a defenseless puppy fall prey to the negative effects of a filthy parasite.

If this product is starting to sound a little eerily familiar, it may be because of a passing familiarity you have with another nearly identical name brand of pet medication: Revolution. In fact, it might surprise you to learn that Stronghold and Revolution are one and the same. They are identical products sold under different names in different parts of the world. Why the discrepancy? Only the fine folks at Pfizer (the manufacturer of both) would know. Regardless of their reasoning the only difference in the two products is the packaging, and no matter your choice in aesthetics, both products are available at Petbucket.com.

Order your supply in advance and save on shipping today!
 

There are a few more important aspects getting cats and dogs living together that we’ve yet to discuss. As we learned in the last post, introductions are important, and shouldn’t be rushed through at all. Instead, a slow, methodical, and supervised tactic should be observed over a number of weeks acclimatizing the cat to the dog and vice versa. Unrestricted face to face encounters should be saved until the dog can reliably be called to heel despite the distracting advent of the cat. The cat needs to be comfortable with its surroundings, and able to get away from the dog whenever it feels threatened. In addition to these hard and fast rules, there are a number of intangibles to look out for.

When picking out pets to round out your household, a conscientious pet owner should always take temperament and attitude into account. Playful cats are more likely to get along with playful dogs. Independent dogs won’t be as likely to irritate more self-concerned cats. It’s a simple thought, but one that pays big dividends if it is observed. Choosing pets with complimentary personalities goes a long way in successfully getting cats and dogs living together.

Earlier it was mentioned about cats that they need safe-havens to escape to when the dog becomes too overbearing. Most cats can manage to find these sorts of things out for themselves, but if you have a perchless homestead, you might want to invest in some kind of jungle gym climbing equipment for your kitty. A few steps with scratching post pillars and cat nip embedded within should do the trick. Just so long as it’s tall enough for the cat to retreat from the dog upon.

 

One obvious dynamic that we’ve yet to mention is the age of the pets. Trying to get adult cats and dogs living together is far more difficult than teaching a puppy and a kitten to do the same. Younger animals are always quicker to socialize, play, and learn about one another. Such is the inquisitive and adorable nature of the youth. Even so, it is still important to regulate the dog when the cat is being overwhelmed, and the cat needs to be kept in line if it ever begins to bully the dog. Although it is okay to enjoy an initial laugh at the dog’s expense. Just be sure to correct the behavior soon thereafter.

The whole idea to getting cats and dogs living together happily is balancing out the conflicts in their personalities. A dog can’t be overly dominant of the cat, and the cat can’t be overtly aggressive toward the dog. You have to have two equally submissive pets recognizing your authority as the alpha of your household. Once the pecking order is clearly established, the introductions have been made at the proper pace, and all of the intangibles have been observed and orchestrated you can move begin to enjoy the  silly displays of affection and merrymaking that your cats and dogs will inevitably perform for your entertainment.

As we discussed in the last article posted on the blog, having cats and dogs living together can be pretty complicated. They are two very different species with a two sets of completely different standards. Cats and dogs need some time to get adjusted to one another. However, with a bit of patience, hard work, and the ever present consistency required for pet training you can have a multiple pet household that gets along famously.

To begin getting your cats and dogs living together, it’s important to focus on training the dog rather than the cat. An adult feline will almost always reject a forced friendship. Dogs are like tornadoes of instability to a cat. To a dog, a cat is either a new friend or a very different breed of squirrel that is still meant to be chased. That’s why it is imperative to have a fairly well behaved dog if there is any hope of this process progressing beyond step one. Your dog should be able to successfully and consistently perform the “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it” commands.

Once your dog is capable of behaving itself, begin introductions via smell. Keep the cat in a separate room with some toys, food/water, and a litter box. This will help the animals to start recognizing each other’s scent. You can also crate the two of them and place the crates near one another. This is so the cats and dogs can see and smell one another without threatening the cat’s security. These introductions should be treated with caution keeping the dog under close watch, for at least a week before going any further.

 

After this initial smelling out phase, you should begin bringing the dog into the same room with the cat on a leash, or perhaps allowing the cat to roam freely around the house with the dog on a leash. Be forewarned, this step can take weeks, even months, and some dogs will have such a drive to hunt that you’ll never be able to reconcile the presence of a cat. In such a case, you’ll have to admit you made a mistake and rehome one or the other. Be sure to keep them away from each other’s food dishes, or any other spots/toys that they might feel especially protective of. Every time the dog sees the cat, pay the dog lots of attention and praise. This is to make the dog understand that having a cat around is a good thing.

As soon as your dog can become acclimated to the idea of leaving the cat alone with your supervision, you can let it off the leash. You may want to consider buying a remote control collar for even further assurance of a dog’s good behavior. Once all this is accomplished, you’ll have pretty  much succeeded getting your cats and dogs living together. However, there is still a lot more involved in the process. Check back in next time for the final installment of this three part guide on socializing cats and dogs.

Dogs and cats have been at each other’s throats since time immemorial. They are natural born enemies with polar opposite social habits, structures, and attitudes. The cat is a graceful, lithe, clever, and independent animal. It is completely capable of handling its business, and seems to think it’s doing humans a favor by allowing care to be given. Meanwhile, the loyal dog is an intensely social creature, craving affection and praise. They are hard workers, constant companions, and fierce guardians over all mankind’s endeavors. Each animal was domesticated for distinct purposes that will sometimes clash with one another. They are both hunters, with powerful predatory instincts, which have often led to conflict. Even more so, their individual methods of interaction cause a great deal of friction.

Understanding the disparities as well as the similarities between these two very different pets is absolutely essential to teaching them both to get along. So in the interest of unity, here compiled for your reading pleasure are some difficulties of dogs and cats living together.

To begin with, most dogs are OCD. They have very little patience or self-control unless it is drilled into them with constant repetition and training.  This makes them, quite literally, dogged hunters. They will chase a target until there is absolutely no gas left in their tanks. With a cunningly clever escape artist like a cat, this can be a real problem.  Since cats are so good at being elusive, a dog’s determined predatory instinct is likely to go into overdrive at the presentation of such a ripe challenge. A constant and consistent struggle will arise from a dog’s persistence and a cat’s evasiveness.

 

Another set of major factors contributing to an un-harmonized relationship between the two are the standards of social interaction. Dogs greet one another with close contact, a lot of sniffing, licking, barking, and furious movement. This kind of greeting is overwhelming and off-putting to even the friendliest of felines. Even similar body language portrays a completely different message for each species. A wagging tail for a dog means happiness and contentment. A cat’s twitching tail is another thing entirely, as it is meant to display agitation or even aggression. The point is that dogs and cats are on opposite ends of the spectrum in many respects, which makes it a little easier to understand why they might have more trouble getting along.

Fortunately these differences are not irreconcilable. Many households have more than one variety of pet. You don’t have to pick a side, a dog person or cat person can definitely become an interchangeable pet person. While dogs and cats have their differences, with the right amount of love, supervision, and intelligent restraint they can quickly become fast friends. However, this process is usually neither quick nor especially easy. Like most methods of training, it takes time to get dogs and cats living together. Check back tomorrow, for an in-depth look on how to teach your pets to successfully cohabitate.

Looking for an effective heartworm medication? Are you looking to save some money as well? Valuheart might be the perfect 2 in 1 solution to all your travails. The active ingredient in Valuheart is Ivermectin, which also happens to be the kicker in popular heartworm preventative: Heartgard. The simple fact is that Heartgard and Valuheart are nearly identical except for the packaging. The only major difference is the money you’ll save purchasing Valuheart.  For almost half the price of the better known Heartgard, you can grab a packet of Valuheart and provide your pets with the same protection while paying 50 percent of the price.

Symptoms of heartworm are extremely difficult to identify until the very late stages of the disease’s onset. That’s why it is very important to get your dog or cat checked for the disease regularly, and to always treat it with a monthly preventative. Because it is much easier and cheaper to avoid heartworm than it is to cure it. Heartworm is one of the most debilitating and devastating diseases for a family to contend with when it comes to their pets. It is a serious problem that senselessly cuts down many beloved family pets in their prime.

 

Since heartworm is such a painful, sneaky, and pervasive disease in the pet population, there are a variety of medications on the market and in consistently in development for its treatment. This huge variety can make a purchase decision very difficult. That’s why it’s important to identify your criteria for the buy. If you’re looking for a cure all medication, a “net” to take out worms, fleas, ticks, mosquitos, mites, sarcoptic mange, and all other possible threats then you’ll probably have a short list of expensive pet meds that can actually handle your needs.

However, if you’re looking for the specific problem of heartworm prevention to be solved, you’ll need a “harpoon” type of treatment to make a single swift strike against the biggest enemy you or your pet are likely to encounter, then Valuheart may be your most attractive option. Valuheart has the same efficacy, delivery system, and legitimacy as Heartgard. The only difference is in price. Both these ivermectin fueled pet meds are powerful, effective, and fast acting, but one is definitely much more affordable than the other. Many customers consider cost as an indicator of how effective a medication can be, but in this case nothing could be further from the truth.

Superior marketing, an established name brand, and an excellent product have all contributed to the success of Heartgard. However, the well-known pet medication doesn’t have much to boast over its generic competition. Everything that Heartgard offers can be duplicated and appreciated by users of Valuheart. Because they share the same active ingredient and tablet type delivery they’re virtually twin brothers in the world of veterinary medicine. They treat the same animals, (either dogs or cats) and they come in the same size variations. The only real difference is image. Take a closer look at Valuheart today!

Hello and welcome! It’s time for another product showcase in the ongoing war against fleas. This week’s item presented for your perusal goes by quite the contented moniker: Comfortis. Comfortis is a highly effective chewable monthly flea killer. This stuff is extremely potent against fleas, but relatively easy on a dog’s system. Comfortis begins working as soon as digestion starts, around 30 minutes after the initial administration, and it keeps working for thirty days after ingestion. It actually causes fleas to have a seizure before they shove off the mortal coil. It’s a dramatic sight, if you’ve got a microscope and the free time.

According to a study from 2011 put forth by Ipsos Forward Research, Comfortis has the highest overall satisfaction rate for monthly flea control products among veterinarians. That’s mighty high praise for a chewable. Usually, a digested treat doesn’t go to work as quickly as the spot on alternative, owing that delayed reaction to digestion and transmission through the blood stream rather than the sebaceous glands in their skin. It’s efficacy can’t be understated, the fact that you can actually witness fleas seizing and dying within a half hour of feeding the dog a tasty treat, is nothing short of incredible.

Also incredible, is the chewable delivery system for this drug. That means no more chasing the dog or cat around the house and applying the back of the neck death grip in order to apply one of those irritating spot ons. Those of you with more subdued pets might not understand such travails, but if you’ve ever had to deal with a half feral cat that doesn’t like the smell of a spot on, you’re more than a little familiar with the difficulty described. You can also cease to worry about getting any of the chemical on your hands, furniture, clothing, or carpet.

 

Comfortis works by regulating the growth of the fleas as well as the all-out brutal genocide it commits upon the adult blood-suckers. What this means is it keeps flea larvae, pupa, and eggs from ever entering into the next stage of life. Without any way of growing up they don’t really die of old age, but just sort of expire because they can’t fend for themselves at any point before adulthood. As far as fleas are concerned, Comfortis is a nightmare grotesquery that eliminates silently, violently, and almost instantaneously.

To sum it up, Comfortis is a tasty chewable delight for dogs and cats alike, which horribly maims the unborn fleas, cantankerously annihilates the adolescent ones, and vehemently exterminates the adults—all in a timely fashion. It’s chemical warfare at its best; giving the maximum benefit to you and your pet, with no fuss for you and a delicious reward for them, but also taking swift and total vengeance against your microscopic enemies. So if you are looking for a fast, effective, and ferocious chewable alternative to a spot on flea control medication, then give Comfortis a once over today!

Surprisingly enough in our in the era of information inundation, it’s somewhat difficult to ascertain the leading cause of death for pets. Despite being an immensely popular area of interest for millions of people around the world, pets have yet to garner their own database detailing the various means of their demise. While this is a morbid thing to consider, it certainly bears consideration. Because we don’t have this crucial information readily at hand it’s more difficult to safeguard our pets against potential pet threats. What little information that does eventually float to the surface of public consciousness seems to reach a consensus concerning the major reasons for the death of a dog or cat. These causes usually center on old age, shelter euthanization, cancer, and traffic accidents.

Being in different species usually means slightly different brackets for most criteria in mortality rates. With cats and dogs, this maxim doesn’t seem to hold true. Because of the high level of care and good quality of life in many developed countries, (the only places on earth where this sort of data is compiled,) old age is actually one of the leading causes of death for dogs and cats alike. Unfortunately, there’s no preventing an end that isn’t premature; the same can be said of shelter euthanization.

 Everything has its allotted time, and when that time comes, there’s only so much that science and even prayer can do to delay it. Other than giving your pet plenty of exercise and a healthy diet, there’s not too much you can do to delay the inevitable.

Another of the leading causes of death in pets is canine and feline cancer. In fact, it is a massive problem. More than any other disease, cancer in dogs and cats is running rampant, significantly increasing the mortality rate of dogs and cats alike. Dealing with the death of a dog or cat is hard enough. Dealing with the death of a dog or cat due to a degenerative disease is downright heartbreaking. Luckily, there are some ways to help prevent cancer in dogs and cats.
Keeping pets safe from cancer, while not a fool-proof process, is certainly a simple one. How simple? As simple as avoiding known carcinogens. Here’s a quick list of some easy steps to safeguarding pet life:

 

• –Provide pure water Either filtered or distilled if you’re feeling especially fancy. This purification process eliminates potentially harmful agents in your pet’s water.
• –Avoid pollution—If your city issues a smog alert, it might be best to skip the daily walk. Try not to smoke in front of your dog or cat either. They’re lungs are just as sensitive to pollutants as yours are.
• –Keep them away from lawn treatments—Pesticides, herbicides, etc.
• –Provide a stress free environment—Pets are social creatures and sensitive to the moods and emotions of their surroundings.
• –Plenty of exercise—A fit body is a healthy body!
• Remember these tips, and keep your pet life around longer and stronger!
   

Profender Spot on for Cats is one of those rare pet medications that really just gives a customer everything he or she could possibly ask for. It treats a wide variety of intestinal worms, it actually treats lungworm-a notoriously dangerous pest, it goes easy on your cat’s delicate system—treatment can begin when a cat is only 3 weeks old, and it is incredibly affordable for all of the protection it offers. It’s quite a bargain no matter how you look at it. This Bayer product actually does what every sales pitch claims to do: gives you more for less.

First let’s talk about Profender Spot on for Cats’ efficacy. It treats, prevents, and eliminates existing cases of all of the following: roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and the aforesaid lungworms. Every single major ascarid is wiped out with an added bonus of taking out a life-threatening lungworm infection as well. That’s a great deal of coverage for a single medication. What really sets the spot on for cats apart from the rest of the competition is that it isn’t even a monthly dosage! Think about every other medication you’ve ever heard about. How often can any of them boast one treatment per 90 days? That’s just plain excellent kitty cat coverage.

Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are always annoying and potentially harmful to an otherwise healthy kitty, but they pale in comparison to the threat posed by a lungworm. This insidious parasite resides, procreates within, and inflames the respiratory system of your cat. This can cause serious health complications for even the heartiest of cats. It’s a problem that can’t be tolerated, and they can be very difficult to treat. Which is what makes it amazing that such a simple and affordable treatment like Profender Spot on for cats can do the trick so easily.

 

Another awesome attribute of Profender Spot on for cats is that it’s available to cats with worms of almost any size or age. As is previously mentioned, the earliest a kitten can be treated with Profender is at three weeks. That just goes to show how powerfully effective the medication is, while simultaneously remaining daintily sensitive and unintrusive to the cat’s natural processes. This is due, in part, to the easy delivery system for the drug to take effect. A single drop on the back of the neck and your kitty is covered for 90 days. Easier isn’t always better, but this is definitely an excellent exception!

Perhaps you’ve noticed by now how often the term “affordable” keeps coming up in reference to this incredible spot on for cats. Well, there’s a good reason for it. One treatment which lasts for three whole months is just under $8.00. If you don’t have your jaw on the floor, then you probably haven’t been paying for cat medications very long. It’s a phenomenal deal and readily available as always at your favorite online pet supermarket: Petbucket.com.

Having cats with worms is an unacceptable problem. Grab your supply today!