Dog Care – Fighting Fleas

Fighting Fleas can be very frustrating. They multiply very quickly and if not caught early enough they will infest your dog and your home. Once infested it is not easy to get rid of them. If your dog is constantly stratching himself that is a sure sign that he does have fleas. Check his skin that is were you will be able to find them. There are different remodies you can try to kill or keep the fleas at bay. Bombing your house is one of them but you have to cover the furniture, leave the house for a few hours, who wants to do that? Luckily there are a few ways to stop the fleas before they get to the infestation point.

There are many different types of medications that can be applied to your dog, chewable tablets, the old fashion pill form , prescriptions that you may get from your veterinarian and in powder form. Flea and tick collars are also very helpful in keeping the fleas at bay. Here are a few examples: Advantix -A dog will be free from fleas in just a few days. Veterinarian recommended. Frontline – Lasts up to four months. Biospot – Kills up to 75% of fleas, eggs and ticks. It also repells mosquitos, which causes heartworm in your dog. There are other flea killers that you can use, Hartz, Seargents and many more. Many repellents you just reapply directly to the skin. You can get up to six months supply. Remember to check with your veterianarian for recommendations. Dogs just like humans have allergies so be sure to use the one that is best for your dog.

There are natural ways to help fight against fleas. Vacuum your home frequently. Before disposing of the bag make sure you seal it tightly and be sure to double bag it because fleas will jump out. Flease tend to breed in your dogs bedding. You must keep it clean, washing of the bed once a week with warm soapy water, vacuum the bed frequently and you may also srpay the bed with cedar oil to keep the fleas at bay. Cedar is an excellent repellent against fleas and insects. Bathe your dog weekly with a mild flea and tick shampoo or use cedar shampoo. Fleas are attracted to dry skin, try using Linatone Oil mixed in his food. Not only will it keep the fleas off but it is also good for dry skin. Brewers Yeast and Garlic creates an oder in pets that fleas are sure to avoid. Sold in any pet store in tablet, chewable tablet and powder form. Be sure to plant plenty of marigolds around the outside of your home, it repells fleas along with other types of bugs.

The breeding season for fleas is in the summer months. If you see one, you know there are many more. Be sure to use one or more of these ideas to keep the fleas at bay. Remember you do not want your dog or your home to become infested.
If you are conserned about the mosquitos causing heartworm in your dog, there are different sprays that you can buy from your pet store. Some are to be applied once a week, some may be applied more or less, be sure to read the instructions on the bottle or speak to your veterianarian about preventative medication. Heartworm can lead to different health problems and sometimes can be fatal. It can be detected by simple blood work.

Keeping your dog healthy is your responsibility as a dog owner. Keep them save, happy and healthy.

Happy New Year

Hi Everyone,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who had purchased from me, also my loyal customers who keep coming back month after month for their dog care.
Now that all of the Holidays are over, I am back to work full time. I will have a new article to post this week. Until then thanks for visiting.

Have a happy and healthy New Year. May all of your dreams come true this year.

Thanks,
Michelle

Dog Care – Stop Your Dog From Digging

How to Stop Your Dog From Digging Up Your Lawn, Vegtable Gardens and Flower Beds.

We all love our dog but it can be very frustrating when they misbehave. It is vital that as a dog owner we understand why dogs are behaving this way. Every dog has their own way of letting us know that there is something wrong. They may dig, chew, bark and so on. It depends on the personality and also the breed of the dog. Dogs are animals and they behave like what they were bred to do, such as herding, running, rescue ect.. It is important to let them be dogs.

When it comes to digging up your lawn, flower bed or vegtable garden this behavior is unacceptable. Dogs dig for different reasons. The first reason is he may be missing an important nutrient in his diet. This is known as “pica”. Pica is typically defined as the persistent eating of non-food items for a period of at least one month. If you feel this may be the cause take your dog to the veterinarian for blood work. That will determine if this is the cause of digging. Always take your dog outside on a leash even if it is in our own back yard. This way you control the dog. The second reason may be bordem. Try spending more time with your dog. Walk him around the neighborhood for a least 45 minutes a day or play catch. Do what keeps your dog stimulated. Making sure your dog gets enough excersise will stimulate the brain and eventually he will stop digging. It will take persistance and consistency on your part as the dog owner.
While the dog is digging do not try to use a treat to stop him, this will only encourage this behavior. If he doesn’t stop put a leash on him and immediately bring him into the house.

Remember a good dog is a happy and healthy dog.