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If you notice flakes of dead and dry skin on your cat’s fur it is important to take necessary precautions. Dry skin in cats can be caused by a variety of reason; from over-bathing, malnutrition, to diseases. If your cat does have a dry skin problem then you can use the following products designed to treat this health issue.
Of course, I still highly suggest you consult with your vet first to make sure this isn’t caused by a disease. Now then, let us go and take a look at the highest rated and most recommended treatment for cat dry skin. We will also discuss causes and other preventive measures you can take to ensure that your cat won’t be experiencing dry skin problems again in the future.
Burt’s Bee Cat Dander Reducing Spray is a mild yet highly effective dry skin treatment for cats. The product consists of about 99.7% all-natural ingredients that include Aloe Vera (a great skin care nutrient) as well as oatmeal.
Burt’s Bees is designed specifically for use with our feline friends so you can sleep easy knowing that it does not contain anything that can cause skin irritations. The product is completely free of any artificial ingredients with no color dyes. It is also pH balanced for cats to help give your cat a healthier skin and a lusher coat.
DEchra Miconhex is a shampoo that is formulated to fight off bacterial skin and fungal infections. This is a highly recommended medical shampoo by veterinarians. It can be used not only on your pet cat but also dogs and even horses.
This shampoo also moisturizes your pet’s skin which helps prevent future cases of dander problems. This shampoo also contains ceramides which act as a moisturizer and helps speed up skin regeneration. The ingredients on the shampoo also remain active even after bathing to ensure your pet will get a quick and full recovery from their dry skin problems.
Oster All-Natural Oatmeal shampoo is formulated to help keep your cat’s coat and skin in tip-top shape. It consists of 100% oatmeal extract to help soothe any skin irritation while also acting as a conditioner and detangles the fur of long-haired cat breeds.
The shampoo also utilizes surfactants and a refreshing Vanilla scent that can last for quite a long time. The shampoo is also pH balanced for cats. It uses biodegradable all-natural ingredients with no colorants and alcohol. You are pretty much guaranteed that it won’t be causing any allergic reactions to your cat while solving their dander problems.
Another entry that utilizes natural ingredients, Honey Dew Natural Pet Spray is designed to work on both dogs and cats. It not only helps maintain moisture on your pet’s skin, but it also acts as a conditioner on their fur and eliminates odors at the same time.
It uses a refreshing lavender scent that removes pet odor while also soothing skin irritations. It uses all-natural formula so you don’t need to worry about it causing any skin irritations. Honey Dew also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee which is a good safety net for first-time buyers.
For those whose cats are extremely difficult or not used to taking a bath, using waterless shampoos are your next best bet. Vet’s Best No-Rinse Shampoo does not require you to soak your cat in water to work its magic. Just apply the solution to your cat’s coat and dry affected areas.
The formula helps offer relief from itchiness and moisturizes the dried skin. No-Rinse Cat Shampoo also utilizes natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Oatmeal extract, neem oil, and Vitamin E. These ingredients not only solve dry skin problems, it also acts as a coat maintenance. This waterless cat shampoo is safe to use for kittens 12 weeks and older and can be used with tick and flea repellants.
Another great alternative for cats who are simply not a big fan of bathing. The Vet Recommended Waterless Cat Shampoo does not, you guessed it, require any water. You just spray it a bit on dry skin areas on your cat and massage thoroughly.
This uses natural ingredients to help moisturize skin while also keeping the coat soft and lush. This dry shampoo also contains no alcohol ingredients to ensure it won’t cause any skin irritations on your pet cat. It features a mild surfactant solution that will greatly help in removing cat dander. It also has a sweet strawberry scent for those who enjoy snuggling with their cat.
Pet MD Oatmeal Cat Shampoo is a good choice for cats who do not only have dander problems but also suffer from excessive itchiness daily. The oatmeal extract helps soothe the skin irritation while moisturizing and speeding up the healing process of the skin.
This cat shampoo does not contain any alcohol and uses a special blend of essential skin care ingredients such as Aloe Vera, oatmeal extract, wheat germ oil, and several vitamins. Pet MD Oatmeal Cat Shampoo might be a good choice if your cat is suffering from skin irritations as well as dandruff.
An alternative to waterless shampoos would be wet wipes. Earthbath All-natural cat Wipes is one such example of an easier way to clean and groom your cat without the need of using water. Each ply of wet wipes is extra thick and is infused with all-natural ingredients that should help treat the dry skin while acting as a conditioner for their coat.
This cat wipe is lanolin-free and is hypoallergenic to ensure your cat won’t experience any side effects. All in all, Earthbath is one of the easiest ways to help clean and treat dry skin on your cat.
This is a fast-acting skin treatment solution designed for cats, dogs, and horses. If you want to cover all possible bases when it comes to skin care treatment for your feline friend then Dermagic just might be the thing you were looking for.
It is formulated to treat skin conditions such as yeast infections, scaly skin, allergies, dermatitis, black skin disease, hot spots, and dandruff. It uses Aloe Vera and vitamin E which helps speed up recovery. It also contains sulfur which targets dandruff causing bacteria and also acts to offer relief from severe itchiness.
As you would expect, cats who usually stay outdoors a lot will be more susceptible to dry skin/dandruff problems. This is because bacteria, fungi, and parasites are the topmost reasons that cause this skin problem in cats.
Other possible causes of dry skin in cats include injuries (getting into a fight with another cat, for example), getting exposed to harsh chemicals, overexposure to sunlight, eating dead rats or prey. Because of this, I would highly recommend you keep your pet cat indoors and only let them go outside under your supervision.
Of course, the most obvious symptom here would be dander and a dull coat. But sometimes it can be rather difficult to spot these two major symptoms of dry skin in cats at first glance. There are other dry skin symptoms that can help you determine whether your cat is going through this skin problem. Below are other symptoms you need to be wary of if you have a pet cat:
Besides the treatment products I listed above, there are other simpler home remedies that you can include to help speed up the recovery process. Below are dry skin treatments that you can apply with simple items you can find at home or at your local grocery.
If the main cause of dry skin on your cats is fleas then using a combination of 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% warm water can help remove these pesky parasites. You can either bathe your cat on this mixture or use a spray and apply the apple cider with water directly to the affected areas. Just make sure to rinse it thoroughly after a couple of minutes.
Another effective way to treat dry skin is with coconut oil. Massage a healthy dose of coconut oil to the patches of dry or scaly skin daily. You can also mix in a spoonful of coconut oil into their daily food but unless your cat does not get the proper daily nutrients, I suggest you stick to using coconut as a topical treatment as it is packed with calories.
Having a DHA and EPA deficiency can lead to several skin problems which is why adding omega-3 fatty acid rich foods in your cat’s diet might help improve their skin health. You can get omega-3 fatty acid from a fish oil. Just remember that cats cannot properly process ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) into DHA and EPA that came from plants like flaxseed oil. I suggest you go with actual fish oil and meat for their primary source of omega-3.
Cat dry skin is more prevalent with cats who stay outdoors. While there are times wherein you just can’t stop them from venturing outside, taking precautionary steps such as proper grooming and a healthy diet can help lower the risk of this skin problem. Take everything you have learned in this article and apply it to your cuddly feline to make sure they won’t have to suffer through this skin health issue.
Ticks on your dog can become more than a nuisance if left unchecked. In fact, it can lead to some serious health risks. It can also be infuriating to completely remove once it has found its way on your dog’s skin.
One of the best ways to combat this annoying parasite is by making all the necessary steps to ensure it won’t even have the chance to settle in on your beloved canine companion.
One of the professional dog groomer’s best ways to prevent ticks from getting all cozy on your dog’s body is by using the best tick repellent for dogs.
To help guide you in this dog care category, I’ll be first giving you a list of the top products around in regards to tick repellents. Afterward, we will be discussing some key factors to further help you make sure that ticks, as well as their eggs, won’t be overstaying their welcome. Actually, they weren’t even welcome in the first place.
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First up, we have Nature Chemistry’s De Flea Pet and Bedding Spray. This tick repellent is designed to kill ticks on contact. It is also designed to be used on dogs of all ages meaning you can also use it on puppies without worrying about side effects.
You can also spray this directly on your dog’s bedding or carpets where they tend to lounge around. You can also spray this around your home where insects like ticks and fleas are most likely to hang around.
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HARTZ Ultraguard is formulated to eliminate not only adult ticks and fleas but also the eggs and larvae. This helps increase the chances that you will be able to completely rid your dog of these parasites in a short amount of time.
HARTZ Ultraguard also has odor eliminating properties which are a nice inclusion to help keep your dog’s bedding smelling fresh. However, you should note that this spray is not for use directly on your pet’s skin. You should only apply the spray around your home where ticks and fleas have nested. The powerful pesticide formula should also prevent any chance of re-infestation in the future if used properly.
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Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Spray repellent take a different approach when it comes to solving tick and flea pet infestation. This repellent uses all-natural ingredients to formulate a pesticide that is safe to use around pets and humans. Vets Best can be sprayed on furniture and pet beddings as it does not leave any stains on fabrics.
This is an affordable tick and flea repellent spray that also contains no toxic or harmful ingredients. Well, it is only harmful to those pesky fleas and ticks anyway. If you are looking for a tick and flea repellent that can be used daily then you might want to check Vet’s Best.
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Another all-natural tick and flea repellent spray entry, the Tropiclean Natural Flea and Tick Home Spray use a mixture of various essential oils known for killing fleas and ticks. The formula is also designed to target eggs and larvae to ensure that re-infestation is prevented.
Tropiclean Natural Flea and Tick Home Spray are also safe to use around your pets as it does not contain any pyrethrin. The spray can also be used around your home where your pet tends to stay like carpets and their beddings.
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Sentry Home is a powerful flea and tick repellent designed to eliminate these pesky parasites in all their life stages. This is also an ideal long-term tick and flea deterrent as it is designed to prevent re-infestation in an area for up to 210 days.
Sentry Home is also formulated to eliminate pet odors which should help keep your pet beddings smelling fresh. However, it is recommended to keep pets and children away from areas that you have sprayed for up to an hour.
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Bug Protector offers pet owners another safe and natural tick repellent spray that should solve tick and flea infestations quickly. It uses natural ingredients which, in theory, should make it safe to use around humans and pets. It also does not contain any petroleum-based ingredients so you needn’t worry about it leaving stains on certain fabrics.
The Bug Protector All-Natural Tick Repellent Spray is also designed to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. I also like the fresh and mild scent that it uses. Not too overpowering for your pet’s sensitive nose.
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The Ben’s Deet Tick and Insect Repellent Spray offer protection not just from ticks and fleas but also a wide variety of nippy little critters. The formula used can offer up to 10 hours of protection on a single spray. If your dog enjoys frolicking outdoors then a quick little spray on their coat should prevent fleas and ticks from hitching a ride.
The good news is that this uses an odorless mixture which will not cause any discomfort with your pet’s sensitive sense of smell. It can also be used by humans so if you plan on going up a trail with your furry friend then you can use this bug repellent as well.
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Natural Care Flea and Tick Spray for Dogs uses natural herbal ingredients to keep ticks and fleas away from your furry canine friend. It uses herbal ingredients like peppermint oil and clove extracts which are known to deter fleas and ticks as well as mosquitoes.
The formula is also designed to kill ticks, fleas, eggs, and larvae upon contact making this a fast-acting natural tick and flea repellent. The ingredients also do not leave any stains on fabrics such as blankets, beddings, and even upholstery. The natural ingredients make this safe to use around pets (12 weeks and older) and children.
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As we have already stated earlier, ticks can become quite a nuisance for both you and your dog. Fortunately, the list of the best tick repellent products above will significantly help in ridding your pet of these pesky parasites.
Of course, we all know that it is better to prevent this infestation in the first place rather than treating it. With that in mind, here are some important guidelines on how to prevent tick infestation on your dogs and other pets.
Ticks and fleas thrive in heavily wooded or vegetative areas. Shrubs, meadows, and grass are just some of the places you will most likely encounter ticks. If you and your dog enjoy a good hike, I suggest you stick to the trail and avoid going through wooded areas.
If you have a garden in your yard or if you are near wooded areas, I advise you check the spots that have a lot of plants and shade. Ticks also tend to go for habitats like this. Make sure you remove decaying leaves from your yard. You should also make sure that you keep your trash bag perfectly sealed. Pests like rats and raccoons can bring ticks into your own backyard as well.
It is important to check your dog’s coat after taking him out for a walk. It only takes one tick to create a problem so make sure they won’t even have a chance to settle down on your dog’s skin. Using a tick repellent before taking your dog for a walk is a great way to reduce this risk. Check between your dog’s toes and armpits as well. You can also take them to a grooming service every once in a while, for a thorough cleaning.
Tick infestation is one of the most common problems that can affect our pets, dogs especially. But that does not mean that we can’t do anything to prevent it. By using the best tick and flea repellents in the market, as well as applying some preventive measures, we can help make sure that our furry best friend will maintain a comfortable and happy everyday life.
Having a pet can really pep up your home and your day. Our furry friends can be extremely loyal and fun to have by your side. Not many downsides, really. However, there is one thing that can temporarily stop the fun you have together by a tiny bit. This is, of course, stains and odors left behind by your beloved furry companion.
While grooming and bathing can effectively prevent pet odors from lingering within your home, sometimes you just can’t avoid this little nuisance. Fortunately, there are several solutions you can take to fix this issue. Pet odor and stain removers can be bought at your local pet shop and can help prevent pet stains and odors from making their presence known.
The difference between the two is quite distinct. Anyone who owns a cat knows just how overpowering the smell of cat pee is. This is because cat urine contains significantly higher levels of ammonia than dog urine. However, this strong ammonia smell can also indicate that your cat is not drinking enough water.
On the canine’s side, their urine consists mostly of water; 95%, in fact. The remaining 5% usually contains various water-soluble materials. Dog urine and human urine are quite similar, not surprising considering human and dog urinary system features comparable characteristics.
As you can see, the smell is how you can differentiate between cat urine and dog urine. That being said, both smells can be quite difficult to eliminate from your home without the proper tools.
Choosing the best pet stain remover for carpets will require you to look at specific factors. As long as you consider the following when choosing a carpet stain remover then you are golden:
Cleaning Strength – Obviously, this is the most important factor you would need to look for. How reliable is it when cleaning different types of stains? It must be able to handle and remove grime, urine, feces, and even blood stains from the carpet.
Odor Elimination – Dog and, especially, cat urine can linger for days if you don’t apply the correct cleaning chemical on your carpet. Look for a carpet cleaning solution that can effectively neutralize any odor quickly and efficiently.
Fast Acting Cleaning Solution – Do you prefer a carpet cleaning solution that can act in less than a minute? There are cleaning solutions available that can help eliminate and remove stains in a matter of seconds while there are others that take a couple of minutes. As you might have guessed, the fast-acting ones contain powerful detergents that may cause damage on certain fabrics over time.
Contains Enzymatic Ingredients – If you want the most reliable carpet cleaning solution then choosing one that utilizes enzymatic ingredients is a safe bet. These are quite popular among pet owners as it can pretty much eliminate lingering odors on carpets completely and quickly.
Go for Mild and Unscented – If you find that the cleaning solution has a considerably powerful smell then chances are it is just masking the pet odor and not eliminating it. Personally, I always go for ones that have a mild scent as I am confident that it actually eliminates the odor and not just overpowering it.
Carpet/Fabric Safe – Of course, you must make sure that the cleaning solution will not cause any damage or deterioration on your carpet. It should also be safe to use around pets and children.
It is always best if you apply the cleaning solution as soon as possible. Basically, the quicker you apply it the easier you will get the stain out. For those who have pet stains on their carpets for years, removing it will need a few extra steps.
Personally, I prefer using the vinegar, baking soda, and peroxide mixture when removing old stains on carpets.:
Step 1: Mix in equal parts of vinegar and water and use a soft cloth to apply the mixture to the stain. Press it hard against the carpet to ensure that the solution is absorbed as much as possible.
Step 2: Carefully pour the remaining mixture over the stain while avoiding the unaffected areas of the carpet.
Step 3: Use a brush and scrub the area thoroughly.
Step 4: Use a paper towel to dry the area.
Step 5: Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the stain.
Step 6: Mix ½ cup of peroxide with 1 tsp. of dishwasher soap. Mix the two thoroughly.
Step 7: Pour the solution carefully over the stain and use your brush to scrub it diligently.
Step 8: Dry the area using a paper towel once again. You can also run a vacuum cleaner on it afterward to ensure that the solution is completely removed from the fabric.
Step 9: There you go. The stain should be removed by now, it if isn’t just repeated the process again.
Old pet urine can be a headache to remove. This is because bacteria have most likely developed over that spot and a simple cleaning solution simply won’t be enough to do the job. To help you with this problem, I will be listing 5 of the best carpet cleaning products designed to eliminate old pet stains.
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Easy to use and affordable. The Bissel Stomp Carpet Cleaning solution only needs to be dabbed over the stain. Leave it there for about half an hour to let it work its magic. This is a powerful oxy stain removal solution designed to also remove old stains from carpets. You don’t need to scrub or use your hands when using this solution. Just lay it down the affected area and press on it with your foot.
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This is a pro-enzymatic cleaning solution that continues to work on the carpet for up to 24 hours after application. This is specifically designed for use with carpets and rugs and eliminates pet stains and odors quite well. While the solution appears to be more concentrated, it is non-toxic which makes it safe to use around kids and pets. If you have pet stains on carpets and upholstery then you might want to check this product out.
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If you prefer a cleaning solution designed not only for carpet but also floors and other surfaces then the Genesis 950 is the first choice to try. This all-purpose cleaning solution is also quite safe and non-toxic. You can use around children and other pets as well as appliances, surfaces, and floors without worrying about leaving harmful chemicals.
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Skout’s Honor is one of the more popular cleaning solutions specifically designed for eliminating pet odors. It is also powerful enough to eliminate cat urine and is non-toxic making it an environmentally friendly option for cleaning pet odor and stains. This product also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee when purchased directly from the manufacturer.
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Nature’s Miracle is another bio-enzymatic formula based cleaner. This means it will continue to be active even after you are done cleaning the affected area. It is also designed to eliminate even the most overpowering pet odors and can remove old stains as well. The formula is designed to be used in cleaning not only carpets but also floors, clothing, upholstery, etc.
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Enzymatic solutions are fast acting cleaning products that are ideal in eliminating odors and stains and making sure it won’t return afterward. This type of cleaning solutions is highly recommended if you have indoor pets. Here are the best pro enzymatic cleaning solutions that you can buy today:
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If you are worried that the cleaning solution might be too harsh on your carpet then you should check out this product. It is effective in eliminating stains and odors but at the same time is surprisingly gentle. It is perfectly safe around pets and children and is also quite gentle on the carpet itself. The cleaning solution is also applicable to tiles, upholstery, pet crates, and household furniture.
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Bubba’s Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner is not only used for eliminating stains and odors on carpets, but it also acts as a good carpet shampoo. While a little pricier than most products in this list, it earns its keep by being a reliable carpet maintenance shampoo as well. It can also be used on upholstery and can deliver a clean and fresh smell in your home.
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I personally enjoy this pet odor cleaning product due to its environment-friendly formula and its refreshing spring mint scent. It is mild enough so that it won’t damage the carpet while also being strong enough to completely eliminate all traces of pet stain and odor. It is also formulated to work nicely on tiles and other fabrics.
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Nature Miracle Advanced Formula is designed for taking care pesky stains that normal cleaning solutions just can handle. It has a deep cleaning formula that targets the cause of the stain and odor. It is also fast drying which means you won’t need to wait for a couple of minutes to let children or pets enter the room. It can also eliminate the pheromones left by the dog or cat to dissuade them from urinating on the spot again.
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Looking for a cleaning solution that does not contain a trace of artificial chemicals? You might want to check what TriNova has to offer. This pet odor eliminator uses 100% natural ingredient. This completely eliminates any worries you might have of using a cleaning solution that contains chemicals. If you have children at home besides your beloved pets, TriNova might be the best all-natural cleaning solution for pet stains and odors you can get your hands on today.
If you looked closely at the products listed above, you will notice how most of it is specifically designed for either cats or dogs. What about if you have both at home? What pet odor remover would be the smartest choice for you? Don’t fret, we got you covered.
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NonScents Pet Odor Spray utilizes a special enzyme ingredient called zeolite. This enzyme targets the bacteria found in the feces and urine of your pet and eliminates it rather than simply covering its smell. It works at a molecular level to eliminate odors and is biodegradable and safe to use around children and pets.
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This is another all-natural pet odor eliminator that also utilizes enzymes to eliminate odor-causing bacteria left behind by your pet. It can remove odors and stains on both carpets and upholstery. It is also safe to use around children and pets. This odor remover also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the results, you can ask for a refund as long as you bought it from the manufacturer and have the receipt on hand.
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If you love the smell of lavender then Emmy’s Pet Odor Remover will be right up your alley. Not only does it help eliminate odor and stains, but it can also prevent your pet from making a habit of re-soiling the same spot as it also targets the pheromones. This pet odor remover also comes with a money back guarantee which is always a welcome inclusion in any product.
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Simple Solution pet odor remover uses natural enzymes combined with non-pathogenic bacteria that target the cause of odors and erases stains. It comes with a 3-in-1 sprayer which helps you control how much of the cleaning solution is applied to a certain area. The Extreme Pet Stain and Odor Remover are also designed to be used on various surfaces, not just on carpets.
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Angry Orange comes with, you guessed it, a nice citrus scent. The citrus scent actually acts as a deterrent for your pets to re-soil the area. Angry Orange is also designed to be used on both indoors and outdoors. You will need to mix this with water as it is highly concentrated. 8 ounce of this cleaning solution is recommended to be diluted in about a gallon of water. It is also not harmful and is safe to use even with children and pets in the vicinity.
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As you can see, there are dozens of options available to solve any of your pet stain and odor problems. Depending on what you need it to do, you have to pay close attention to each cleaning solution to ensure they will do the job without any hitch. Hopefully, this article has helped you figure out which pet odor cleaning solution will deliver the best results.
One of the most common and, at times, most dangerous health problems that can affect man’s best friend all stems from flea and tick infestation. This pesky parasite can bring with it a smorgasbord of diseases that can range from being a simple nuisance to serious health concerns. Because of this, it is vital for dog owners to ensure that their parasite-free.
Dog Groomers recommend regular baths and maintaining a clean environment are the best way to prevent tick and flea infestation on your furry friend. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to improve on this with the help of the best flea collar for dogs. Flea collars act as a deterrent against fleas and parasites. While it is not a “be all, end all” flea problem solution, including it in your overall prevention plan should help increase the chances of infestation on your mutt.
With that in mind, I will be giving you some of the highest rated and most recommended flea collar for dogs that you can purchase right now. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Plus, your dog will greatly appreciate it as well.
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Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar are one of the most highly recommended brands when it comes to flea prevention for your dog. It comes in a variety of sizes designed for small breeds to larger ones. The Bayer Seresto Flea Collar can kill fleas and ticks on contact and each collar can remain active for quite some time thanks to the slow and steady release of ingredients.
The Bayer Seresto can effectively deter fleas from your dog for up to 8 months which is quite impressive. It is odorless and does not produce any greasy residue that can ruin your dog’s coat. It is also designed to be worn along with a leash collar without giving your dog any discomfort.
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Rolf Club 3D Flea Collar is designed to be a fast-acting flea and tick deterrent from your pet pooch. It uses a brand-new German flea collar technology which lasts up to 6 months but is, as claimed by the manufacturer, fast enough to send ticks and fleas running within 24 hours. This technology is also designed to repel mosquitoes which is good if you live in an area with these pesky pests flying around.
Rolf Club 3D uses non-toxic chemicals which means it should be perfectly safe for your dog and children around the house as well. It is also environment-friendly which is always a nice feature to have in today’s products.
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The Direct Protect Plus Flea Collar has a rather mixed review online but based on my personal experience with this brand it still manages to provide a noteworthy solution for your flea and tick problems. It can repel and kill adult ticks and fleas, prevent eggs from hatching, and repel mosquitoes as well.
The flea collar is designed to be odorless and will not leave any type of residue on your dog’s coat. Each box contains about 2 flea collars for a year’s worth of protection and is rather cheap compared to other brands.
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If you are looking for an all-natural flea collar for your dog then you should check out the Ublerb flea and tick control collar. This might be an ideal alternative for dogs who have exceptionally more sensitive skin.
The flea collar can remain active for up to 8 months. It is fast acting so you should see results of decreased flea and tick infestation in about a day or two. It uses essential oils that have been tested to keep ticks and fleas away. However, since this is not water-resistant you might need to change the collar more often if you bathe your dog regularly.
Since this uses natural ingredients, I would still recommend you consult with your vet before using it on your dog just to be safe.
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Another all-natural flea collar for those who have dogs with extra sensitive skin and coat. The Jmxus New Furry FIDO Flea and Tick Collar is waterproof and designed to repel fleas and ticks for up to 8 months.
It has an environment-friendly formula and is safe for both your pets and children at home. The collar comes in at 25 inches in length making it compatible with pretty much all dog breeds from small to larger ones. The Jmxus FIDO Flea Collar also comes with a money back guarantee that covers the first 90 days after receiving the product.
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Sentas Flea and Tick Prevention Collar are designed to fit all dog breeds. However, you will be required to cut the collar in order to get the best fit. This means you won’t be able to go back once you have adjusted it to a shorter length.
The formula used here is designed to prevent any allergic reaction to dogs. It is also waterproof so you don’t need to worry about reduced effectivity after a couple of baths. The collar is designed to remain active for about 8 months.
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GORAUL Dog Flea Collar also utilizes a formula that consists of all-natural ingredients. This helps reduce the risk of allergic reactions to dogs significantly. The collar measures around 25 inches so you are guaranteed it will fit even the considerably larger dog breeds. You will need to cut it down to its appropriate size for smaller dogs though.
The collar will remain active for about 8 months and is water resistant. It consists of natural essential oils that are known to repel ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. The collar is also odorless which is a plus for dogs with extra sensitive smell.
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Another all-natural flea collar alternative for owners who have extra sensitive dogs at home. The GetOff Natural Flea Collar utilizes essential oils that have been proven to repel parasites like tick and fleas. It is hypoallergenic which means there is an incredibly low chance of it causing any sort of skin irritation on your dog.
As for its construction, this is a one size fits all collar and can last up to 8 months. It is also water resistant which further solidifies its ‘8 month’ active duration. The essential oils do have a faint smell but nothing overpowering. It also won’t leave any residue even when soaked in water.
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The ONMOG Dog Flea Collar is another affordable yet effective way to reduce the risk of your dog from getting flea and tick infestation. It uses herbal ingredients that not only repels parasites but are also mild enough that it won’t cause your furry friend any discomfort or irritations.
This flea collar is water resistant and is designed to remain active for up to 8 months. It also contains natural essential oils that are non-toxic and does not leave any greasy residue on the dog’s coat. This is a one size fits all collar as it comes with a default measurement of 25 inches.
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Flea collars work using a two-step process. First, it acts as a repellant. It does so by releasing substances that deter or kill fleas and ticks while being perfectly safe for dogs. This substance is released by the collar steadily over the course of a few months. This helps reduce the chances of new ticks and fleas attaching itself to your dog whenever they are outdoors.
The second step is its pesticide properties. Not only can a flea collar repel ticks and fleas, but the substance it releases will also affect parasites that have already latch to your dog. There are 2 types of pesticides used in flea collars. The first one needs to be absorbed by dog’s skin which will then kill off any tick or flea that bites them. Of course, this means you will need the flea or tick to actually bite your dog first.
The second type spreads through the dog’s coat. This type of pesticide kills fleas and ticks on contact. They won’t even need to bite your furry friend making this a better option.
Flea collars are designed specifically to be safe for use with dogs. The ingredients used are tested and proven effective with our canine friend. However, some of the ingredients used can be a cause of concern for humans. For example, organophosphates are a pesticide that is considered to be carcinogenic. It is best to scrutinize the ingredients used to make sure that it is safe for both your dog and other people at home.
I would also refrain the use of flea collars on puppies. Puppies have yet to fully develop their immune system. What is practically safe for an adult dog might cause problems for puppies.
Before you use a flea collar on your pet dog, here are some pointers that you need to consider first:
For puppies – Puppies that are less than 8 weeks old should not use flea collars.
For older dogs – Similar to puppies, older dogs’ immune system will be not as reliable as they used to be. You should consult with a vet first if you plan on using a flea collar on a senior dog.
For pregnant and nursing dogs – Ask any vet and they will all recommend that you don’t use flea collars if your dog is pregnant or nursing puppies.
Before buying a flea collar for your dog, consider the following factors to ensure you will be getting the best possible one:
If your dog loves heading outdoors and frolicking on the ground then I highly suggest you use a flea collar. While not full-proof, it does help reduce the risk of fleas and ticks from attaching themselves on your canine BFF. Of course, you should always consider the safety of your dog when choosing flea collars. Always check to see if the ingredients are all proven safe and effective when it comes to flea and tick prevention for dogs. Also, proper hygiene with your dog will further improve their defense from parasite infestation.
Dogs can acquire allergic reactions from a variety of environmental factors. While most cases are caused by tick and flea bites, other factors include the food they ate to dust and pollen from their surroundings. Allergic reactions due to foodborne allergens are the easiest to prevent and determine.
Some dog breeds are also known to be quite allergic to several ingredients. If your dog is one such case, it would be safest to give them the best dog food for allergies.
To help you figure out what especially made dog food is best for your canine companion, I will be giving you a list of the best dog foods for allergies that you can buy at your local market or pet shop today.
Check out the list below and afterward, we will be discussing food allergens and additional steps you can take to prevent this health concern from developing.
Overview
One effective way to greatly reduce and even eliminate the risk of allergic reactions to dogs is by giving them a controlled or single ingredient diet. Boulder Dog Food Company Chicken Bits uses chicken as its main and only ingredient. This is an all-natural dog food that has been prepared using slow oven roasting to help seal in the nutrients while keeping it as flavorful as possible.
Boulder Dog Good Company prepares and ships their products straight from their bakery. They also use cage-free chickens if you are worried about animal welfare. This has also been one of the select dog foods that I can give my seal of approval to. It is perfectly safe and healthy for dogs which is the most important quality we are looking for in this list.
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For those who prefer to give their pooch a more diverse yet controlled diet, Hill’s Prescription Diet is one of the better options. This dog food features a balanced list of nutrients mixed in with fiber for better digestion. It also utilizes easy to digest fat and protein ingredients which helps improve skin repair.
Another beneficial addition here is the antioxidants which are designed to improve your dog’s cell oxidation control. If your pet dog has undergone a surgery or is currently nursing an injury, this highly nutritious and safe dog food might be a good choice to promote faster and better healing.
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FirstMate delivers a highly controlled ingredient dog food designed to prevent allergic reactions to a wide variety of dog breeds. This dog food is specifically formulated to skirt around any ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction while offering optimum nutrients to your dog. It is also jam-packed with antioxidants which helps improve overall health and moderate free radicals in their body. FirstMate is also grain-free.
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Another limited ingredient dog food entry comes from the well-known Blue Buffalo brand. This brand is known for catering to dogs with an exceptionally sensitive digestive system. The Basic Limited Ingredients Dog Food Diet consists of specially chosen ingredients that are known to be allergen-free while packing each bit with as much nutrition as possible.
If you are looking for a brand that manufactures allergy safe dog foods then you can’t go wrong with Blue Buffalo. They’ve been around for quite a long time and has already developed a solid reputation with dog owners/lovers.
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Some dogs are allergic to wheat and grain, one good alternative you can pick that offers all-natural ingredients but is completely grain free would be Tender and True Dry Dog Food. Tender and True Organic Turkey and Liver is completely grain free. It is also processed without any antibiotics or hormones.
It contains 100% healthy farm raised turkey. The proprietary blend also includes all the essential vitamins and mineral to ensure your dog remains healthy and happy.
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Adding omega-3 in your dog’s diet can be extremely beneficial to them down the line. AvoDerm utilizes ingredients such as salmon, avocado, and potato to deliver the proper amount of omega-3 in their diet. It also contains high amounts of antioxidant which helps improve your four-legged furry friend’s immune system.
AvoDerm Dry Dog Food does not contain any wheat, soy, or corn. Omega-3 is great in strengthening your dog’s joints, important as they grow older. It can also help prevent heart disease in dogs. The inclusion of avocado in its ingredients can help dogs with sensitive skin as well.
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This is a specially formulated allergy care dog food that utilizes an advanced formula to deliver all essential nutrients, and then some, without increasing the risk of allergic reaction. It utilizes 90% and above of the protein from animal sources making sure your dog will get their proper fill of protein daily.
It also contains digestive enzymes that help promote digestion. I would also like to add that while it does state to contain the chicken ingredient, it is chicken fat only. You can check their official website for any specific questions you might have about this allergy care dog food.
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CANIDAE is known for its flavorful real meat taste. This grain-free dog food is formulated to accommodate mutts that have extra sensitive tummies. Ingredients contain whole foods that are easily digestible. Most dog foods designed to prevent allergies will sometimes fall short in regards to taste. CANIDAE circumvents that problem with its meaty flavor thanks to its use of bison meat.
This dog food uses a rather simple recipe which is specifically formulated for sensitive dogs. While it does not have any advanced formulas implemented, it does what it is made to do; which is deliver all essential nutrients to an allergy prone dog.
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This beef flavored dry dog food contains high amounts of protein to help develop leaner muscles on an active dog. It contains no artificial flavoring and uses all-natural ingredients only. It contains antioxidants to boost immunity and omega fatty acids derived from chia seed extract, coconut, and fish to deliver a shinier coat.
Diamond Naturals also incorporate their own proprietary probiotic blend that helps improve your dog’s digestive system while also boosting their immunity. It also contains glucosamine which should help strengthen joints and prevent arthritis once your dog hits a certain age.
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Dogswell Nutrisca uses 100% real lamb as its main ingredient. It also contains no grains, corn, soy, wheat, and potato for dogs who have extra sensitive tummies for these ingredients. It does use chickpeas as its main source of fiber which is known to be quite safe for dogs.
You can expect your dog to enjoy this as lambs tend to entice most dog breeds I know. If your dog is an extremely picky eater, try lamb-based dog foods as it is universally liked by our canine friends. If you are looking for food to serve sensitive and picky dogs then I recommend you try Dogswell Nutrisca.
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Determining if your dog is suffering from an allergic reaction can be done quickly as long as you know what to look for. I will be running down the most common dog food allergy symptoms that dogs exhibit to help you make the necessary next step and nip this health issue from the bud.
This allergic reaction is the most noticeable. It is usually caused by either environmental allergens or food allergies. Another possible cause here would be the type of shampoo you are using on your pet dog. Try a milder one, if symptoms persist then you will need to go through their daily diet as well as environmental factors such as pollen.
Check their ear to see if there are any black or brown residue build-up. Your dog will also tend to scratch their head/ear almost constantly as if they are trying to remove something lodge inside their ears. This type of allergy is mostly caused by the food they eat. It can also be caused by ear mites but you will instantly distinguish this at first glance. Try changing their diet and clean their ears using a 50/50 mixture of pure apple cider and water.
A dog’s nail normally has a white with a pinkish hue. If your dog has a darker shade of reddish brown then there is a high chance, they are experiencing an allergic reaction. This allergy is commonly caused by food allergens but can also be caused by foot trauma or injury.
This symptom is easier to detect with dogs that have a white coat. Basically, this is an inflammation normally caused by yeast infections or food allergens. You can help treat this allergy with the water plus apple cider home remedy.
Visible discharge around the eyes is another common sign of an allergic reaction. This can be caused by environmental and food allergens but can also be caused by eye trauma. If your dog is experiencing excess tear duct discharge you should clean the area using a clean cloth dabbed in lukewarm water every day.
Below is a list of the most common ingredients that causes an allergic reaction for dogs. If your dog started exhibiting symptoms you should check the ingredients in their food and start a process of elimination to determine the trigger.
Your dog’s breed will also be a factor as some breeds are more susceptible to food allergens like German Shepherds, Shar-Pei, Collies, and Dalmatians to name a few.
When it comes to choosing the right dog food you just need to remember a couple of these golden rules:
Food allergy is quite common for dogs sometimes causes mild inconveniences. Of course, we still want to avoid this as it will cause discomfort for our pet. By being more meticulous with their diet, we can effectively avoid food allergens altogether. Keeping the environment clean will also help reduce environmental allergens. If you are having trouble with choosing the safest dog food to give to your pet, check the list above. That list is compiled using my own personal experience as well as overall customer feedback.
The number of teeth that dogs have in adulthood will vary by age. Just like humans, your dog has various types of teeth for different purposes. The dog teeth cleaning plan for these specific teeth depends on many different elements as well.
As concerns dog teeth, there are several things you need to know about dog teeth. Read on to learn more about them.
Most dog owners will proudly say that the little sharp puppy teeth have at some point bitten them. Most of you might probably have wondered why they are so sharp.
Normally, puppies do not start growing teeth until they are 4 weeks old. The reason being up until this time, they are taking milk and do not need teeth. Around 28 baby teeth grow when the pup is about four weeks old, and these are certainly sharp.
These pup teeth are primarily incisors and canines. And these teeth are sharper compared to adult teeth because they require extra help in chewing.
Because their jaws aren’t as developed and strong as those of adult dogs, the sharper teeth help make chewing toys, hard food, treats easier. This includes anything else they find around the house.
Normally, puppies begin losing their teeth when they reach the age between 4 to 6 months old. In this phase, many puppies will go through the teething stage. Here they will be chewing up on anything they get their little paws on.
By making sure that there are many harder teething chewy toys for your pup to chew on can help with this. However, you might still come home and find your lovely shoes torn to pieces.
Similar to human beings, dogs will have 2 teeth sets in their lifetime – these are ‘baby’ teeth and the permanent big teeth.
The deciduous teeth or ‘Baby’ teeth will begin to grow in your pup’s mouth when they are between four and six weeks old. The teeth are rather sharp, hence their scratch lets the puppy’s mother know that their puppy is grown enough to get weaned onto taking solid food.
Typically, incisors grow first, followed by the canines, thereafter the premolars come in. Your vet will offer a detailed breakdown of the dental anatomy of dogs. This also includes dental x-rays and photos.
In general, puppies do not grow their molars together with the initial teeth set. The reason behind this is because they do not have to grind on food at this early age. Therefore, they will have 28 baby teeth.
Your dog can be afflicted by a few popular problems on their dental health. And some of these problems can be avoided with the appropriate dental care.
One rather common problem that can affect your pup is when a single or a few of his baby teeth don’t come out and they just stay in the gums together with the big teeth. Such teeth are referred to as ‘retained deciduous teeth’.
The problem occurs when the adult tooth does not grow straight below the baby teeth hence the roots do not get reabsorbed.
This problem will cause the pup’s big teeth to develop irregularly within your dog’s mouth. This can possibly even alter their bite, as well as causing overcrowding within the pup’s jaw. Fast extraction done by the vet is essential so as to correct the issue.
Other issues include related dental problems to these that also affect humans – like, gum disease, bad breath, and gums that are receding. Others are cysts or tumors in the mouth that do require surgery and drainage. All these dental problems can be prevented with the use of suitable oral care.
When you dismiss proper dental care for your dog, your pet might end up with some kind of oral disease. Dental diseases don’t show themselves within a day, and dog owners have the time to catch it before any disease gets to a crucial point.
Several of the early warning symptoms of oral dental hygiene issues in dogs will include:
Generally, most dogs don’t have cavities, though offering them soft foods might cause debris to remain in the gum-pockets that are at the teeth’s base. This can even promote arthritis in dogs when specific nourishment is left out.
The debris might lead to infections, which will make your dog’s gums to recede, thus exposing more of its teeth.
Infections such as this will cause loss of teeth and bad breath. Tartar may also develop on canine teeth like it does in human teeth.
Hence, brushing your pup’s teeth or getting them cleaned frequently can greatly reduce the buildup.
When your dog is like most canines, it is possible they won’t be as accepting of the thought of brushing their teeth.
To familiarize your pet with brushing, you need to start by massaging his lips using your finger for around a minute. Try using a circular motion to massage him.
Doing this twice and once a day for several weeks will help your dog get more comfortable. This can also get him to let you move on to his teeth and gums. Consider starting to brush your dog using your finger and move to a toothbrush after they get used to that.
Just like humans, your dog has different types of teeth for different purposes. In their lifetime dogs will have 2 sets of teeth – these are ‘baby’ teeth and the permanent adult teeth. And to help care for your dog’s teeth, you will need to ensure they get proper dental care regularly. This will also ensure your dog remains healthy. Give your dog a good hair cut too, like most pet lovers they treat their dog a good groom. Mobile Dog Grooming professionals are just a click away!
Do you love to eat spicy food?
Unfortunately, our best friends do not have the same taste buds as we do, however, this does not mean that they do not react to some spicy foods.
Regardless of how little the spice you believe your spicy meal has, your dog might not have the same sentiments as you. Foods that are just somewhat spicy to you might be unbelievably hot and torturous for your dog. Must ask for help about this from a dog groomer or veterinarian.
The primary concern is your dog having an upset stomach. Diarrhea, vomiting and a painful stomach can occur when your dog eats too much spicy food. Just like when you take a lot of hot food, your dog will also have the same reaction.
Another concern is about the spices put in the food. Jarred or bottled products such as hot sauce have lots of flavor with a mixture of seasonings that are unhealthy for your dog. These include onion powder and garlic.
There is actually no reason as to why your hound will enjoy eating spicy food. Just keep in mind that they much fewer taste buds compare to you. And although they might not taste these spices, it does not mean that their GI tract will not experience the side effects.
Generally, dogs eat the same food every day, yet they become sick from it. Is the reason for this due to their lack of a choice, or is this owing to their ability to taste isn’t exactly that great?
It is possible to think that a dog’s taste bud is highly tuned compared to that of a human. It just happens that it is actually weaker!
Human beings have around 9000 taste buds, while dogs have only about 1700. Human beings have 4 primary tastes (sweet, bitter, sour and salty). On the other hand dogs’ taste buds missed developing the salt receptors during their evolution. This attribute is because they eat a carnivorous diet that naturally is high in salt.
It is for this reason that dogs are able to eat gross things since their tastes are not as fine-tuned as ours. Rather, they only use their sense of smell as they are sampling food.
Spicy foods are not the only “human food” that is a hazard to dogs. As a rule of the thumb, table food is usually not befitting for dogs. Your dogs should eat meals that are formulated especially to fulfill their dietary needs. Thus human foods do not meet these requirements. Enquire from your vet that they put together an appropriate healthy meal plan purposely for your pet.
Please do avoid allowing your dog to eat people foods which are toxic and dangerous for pets –some of these foods include chocolate, grapes, macadamia nuts and food from the onion family.
Avoid feeding your dog anything unless you are fully convinced that it is safe for him. And when you are in doubt, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first.
Simply put, do not feed your pet dog any spicy foods. By feeding your dog spicy foods, and especially in excess, it could lead to serious digestive issues — think of unpleasant indigestion. Spicy foods are just too rich for a dog’s stomach to process.
Although your dog could get giddy a few seconds after he has scoffed down a few bites from the spicy meal. It is likely that he will end up having runny stools following that.
Save your dog the stomach distress and keep spicy foods at all times away from your dog’s reach, even when he persistently pleads with limpid eyes. Healthy treats are a good way to stop your dog from begging for food.
Some of the sign that you need to look out for when a dog is reacting to spicy foods will include:
The spiciness does also irritate a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and can cause gas, diarrhea, stomach upset and vomiting.
Even though most spicy foods are not toxic to dogs, they can cause them to experience discomforts, so they have to be avoided. Like always, be sure to contact your vet doctor when your dog has signs of prolonged discomfort, sickness or even pain. Make sure that your dog is not dehydrated.
Spicy meals can be damaging to your dog’s health and to your nose as well. Eating spicy things mostly makes them experience flatulence — yikes. Additional foods that often lead to gas in canines are soybeans, dairy items, and peas.
By making sure that your dog gets a healthy and suitable dog diet that aids digestion will contribute to keeping the air in the home, less abrasive.
Spicy foods will not only cause watery stool in your pooch but for the unsuspecting pooches, it may sometimes cause serious health conditions. One such example is canine pancreatitis. This disease, which is at times, can be life-threatening, touches on the inflammation of your dog’s pancreas.
Most dogs will develop pancreatitis because of eating fatty foods. However, spicy foods may also be culprits. Reduce your pet’s probability of developing this disorder by not feeding him any foods that are spicy. Pancreatitis is especially prevalent in female dogs, and especially those that attained middle ages and older.
Regardless of how little the spice you believe your spicy meal has, your dog might not have the same sentiments as you. When you notice your dog whining, lip licking, pacing, backing away, head shaking, and excessive drinking of water. These are indications that he has ingested spicy foods. Give them asparagus instead. Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?
Contact your veterinarian in case you have any doubts or when your dog seems sick, is vomiting, shows signs of discomfort or pain. Be sure that your dog does not consume spicy foods to prevent risking its health.
Puppies are adorable. Your excitement is understandable and the wait for a puppy, either from a breeder or when your dog is expecting her first litter, might seem eternal. Luckily, the gestation period of a dog is a lot shorter than that of humans. But, how long is the gestation period of a dog?
Though there are a few physical pregnancy signs in dogs, it can be hard to determine if a dog is expectant without a veterinary diagnostics. Particularly, during the early stages, since there are some medical conditions which have symptoms that are mistakable for those of that show during pregnancy. Ask for some help about this from Mobile Dog Grooming professionals or veterinarian.
Here’s what you need to know about pregnancy in dogs.
Human beings have developed instant pregnancy tests, which make it easy find out whether or not we are expecting. This is not the case for dogs. It’s likely that you will have to visit your vet to know if your pet is pregnant.
When possible, make sure to notify your vet the exact time when your pet dog was bred, or the best estimation of the time period, since all pregnancy-testing methods for the dogs are time sensitive.
Vets use four methods to help determine if a pet dog is pregnant:
This is the ideal way to determine if your dog is expectant early on in gestation. Veterinarians advocate for ultrasounds between days 25 – 35 of gestation.
An ultrasound will not only notice pregnancy, they determine fetal heartbeat to know if they are alive. They can also help rule out any other causes of uterine enlargements, like a pyometra. They can even help figure out the gestational age of a fetus. You can even get a portable ultrasound scanner to Do-It-Yourself.
Vets will test for the relaxin hormone to find out if a dog is pregnant. Relaxin hormone is released from the placental tissues only during pregnancy.
Making hormone test a fairly accurate identification test. But, a dog must be about 30 days into her pregnancy for this test to get accurate results. Tests are done before this might indicate a false negative.
X-rays are a good way for breeders to find out how many puppies they are to expect from their dog. They are the most effective late in pregnancy since the fetal spine and skull do not become visible on x-rays until after days 42 to 45. Waiting to after day 55 will let vets give a precise count of how many puppies are expected and to work out the best time for the elective cesarean.
This is the cheapest option and also the most convenient way for you to determine a dog’s pregnancy. While each fetus grows, the membranes surrounding them grow also to make fluid-filled sacs. It is possible to feel these sacs on day 21 and 35 of a dog’s gestation (about 3- 4 weeks).
These will then grow to reach the sizing of a table tennis ball for a 45-pound dog. After a month, these sacs will lose their typical shape, and then the uterus gets a floppy feel that may be mistaken for pyometra or fat.
Puppies are coming – but when? This is what most expectant parent will be asking.
The regular gestation period of a dog is 65 – 75 days I.e from conception all through to birth. That’s roughly 9 weeks, and that is rather fast for a dog mum to grow from 3 to 12 squirmy bundles of love.
Expect your brand new dogs in around 9 to 10 weeks!
If you are not a breeder, this is normally a good time frame to work with and ensure you are ready for this big event.
However, breeding is a totally different story altogether and it often involves the careful planning of breeding and the many hormone tests done before and also after insemination.
The last several days before the D-day are mostly marked with changing of the dog’s behavior. So, this should not surprise you.
After the gestational period has gone along, labor begins. This is marked by three stages of labor.
This lasts 12- 24 hours and it’s often not noticeable outwardly. Contractions within the uterus’ muscular wall increase all through stage one. That is both in frequency and strength, but there’s no visible evidence of contractions. Instead, look for the below signs of labor in your dog:
In this stage, puppies are delivered. This stage might last for a period of 1- 24 hours and the dog delivers one pup at a time.
Every delivery will not last beyond 1- 2 hours and it usually occurs after every 30- 60 minutes. This is why it can be helpful that you know the entire number of puppies expected. This way, dog owners know once the dog is finished at stage two. Then they can call a veterinarian when they think their dog is experiencing some difficulty.
In this stage, the placenta is delivered. Stage two and three normally occur around the same span. Stage three is only complete once all the placentas get delivered. This process normally occurs shortly after the second stage is finished.
You must contact your vet doctor if your dog’s labor goes beyond 24 hours, or when over 2 hours go by in between deliveries. This might be an indication of some serious complication. Meaning that both the dog and the unborn puppies’ lives might be at risk.
Though there are a few physical pregnancy signs in dogs, it can be even harder to determine if a dog is expectant without a veterinary diagnostics. Luckily, vets have four methods that they use to find out if a dog is expecting. These are Ultrasound, Hormone tests, X-ray, and Palpation. Feed you dog with 10 best fruits dogs to eat, too. These will help you prepare for the puppies and know when they will come.
A hot spot occurs when your dog’s defences are overrun by its normal occurring skin bacteria. This results in a superficial skin infection which damages the dog’s skin. Through scratching, chewing and gnawing the dog starts the damage its fur and skin, which later turns red, itchy, moist, and can get infected.
As infection sets in, pus starts oozing from the wound. The dry pus and the now damaged skin form a tight crust which causes hair loss around the infected spot. This process is very painful and your dog will likely show pain when the spot is touched. To help ease the pain for your dog, ensure you take him to the vet for fast diagnosis and treatment.
A hot spot can be caused by anything that causes a dog to scratch or chews hence creating a skin irritation. Insects bites (from flies and fleas), excessive moisture on the skin’s surface, skin allergies, saliva accumulated under the fur( for pets that are always licking the feet), matted hair, dogs with dense or heavy hair coats, skin scrapes and excess humidity in the location are all some of the sources of hot spot development. Something else that is a rather interesting cause of hot spots in dogs is boredom.
Below are several tips to help your dog feel more comfortable when it has got hot spots and ways to prevent hot spot occurrence.
When your dog has a small, uncomplicated and non-painful hot spot, it is possible to start home treatment using products meant for this purpose. These can be bought over-the-counter. There are assortments of medicated shampoos, topical sprays and herbal therapies that are easily accessible.
Of importance is to make certain that the products are pet-approved and safe to use on your dog. It is also recommended to call your vet and find out whether the choice you have settled for is reasonable for your pup.
Be careful not to use topical products intended for humans on your pets as they might be very poisonous when licked and also ingested by your pets. An example being zinc oxide if ingested is very toxic to your dog and it is often found in a lot of human skin ointments.
A hot spot is caused by anything that causes a dog to scratch or chews hence creating a skin irritation. There are assortments of medicated shampoos, topical sprays and herbal therapies that can be accessed over-the-counter. However be careful not to use products intended for humans on your pets as they may be poisonous when licked and ingested by your pets.
A vet’s intervention is needed when the hot spot grows to be big and painful that your dog needs to be sedated to properly clip and clean the wound. An additional concern is when a hot spot is followed by a deep skin infection, which will require extensive therapy like oral pain medication, oral anti-inflammatory medication, and oral antibiotics.
A good wash is necessary for dogs as it helps remove dead skin, accumulated dirt when outdoors and removes shed hair. Although Singapore is a pretty clean country, you cannot rule out ticks and fleas in particular when it irritates your pet dog in the humid weather. Fleas thrive in warm and humid weather which can cause intense irritation to your dog. Once with fleas your dog is more likely to bring them into your home – from your sofa, carpets to your bed linen.
Regular grooming practices can help prevent fleas and ticks from your dog’s coat and even the dogs bringing them to your home. Since most dogs like the outdoors, the warm and humid weather can cause much stress for them. Taking some time for your pet dog more often will ensure it’s healthy and it feels comfortable and cared for.
Pet grooming ensures the shed hair is removed allowing for the dog’s skin to breath. Keeping your dog’s needs attended to regularly will help avoid long nails that may be curled as well as matted hair which can be rather difficult to straighten out.
Below are some washing tricks and tips for your dog to ensure it looks good, it’s healthy and comfortable even in the humid Singaporean weather.
Prior to going to the dog wash, be sure to fully brush out your dog and if your dog has tangled fur, the tangles are straightened out. It is rather difficult to clean tangled fur and even drying your dog completely becomes rather impossible.
Matted fur which is not completely dry is a breeding ground for mould and bacteria which causes skin infections. Be sure to brush your dog’s back legs against the direction the fur grows and towards the body and then the head. If your dog is a Pit Bull, this won’t take you much time. If it’s a Chow, Golden Retriever, Alaskan malamute, Afghan or a Rough Collie, it will likely need more time.
Even then, you will save on the time taken in the tub since water will easily penetrate the dog’s coat. However, is easier to either cut the dog’s fur short or brush it out to remove the matted and even hairs it has shed.
Before getting your dog wet, ensure to use the force blower or a hairdryer to blow out all the loose hair that may have missed during the brushing process. A force blower is not a dryer but it is very effective in getting the dog hairs since it works by velocity.
The force dryer will help blow out matted hair and all the loose undercoat off your dog’s coat. It can be used for drying your dog as well as for de-shedding before bath. Above all, it does save you time since it is faster compared to brushing especially if you have more than one pet dog. So an investment in a force dryer will benefit you and your dog in the long run.
Once ready for the bath, start by wetting your pet dog bottom and back upwards, thereafter, you can apply the shampoo.
A dog washing tip when washing your dog: Instead of lathering the shampoo on your hands, you can brush it through the dog’s coat. For dogs like Labs and Pit Bulls using a rubber curry on them will work well. If you have a low-shedding or a double-coated dog, a much slicker brush will do the trick.
Also ensure to use the right dog shampoo, using more shampoo on your dog will not always guarantee it is cleaner. The ingredients of the shampoo and its level of agitation against the dog’s fur are what works best. You can try to make some of your shampoo at home too.
Crème rinse or a conditioner of your dog’s coat is what ensures the undercoat is released. When your dog’s coat tends to tangle more often, or you intend to cut static, a conditioner or a crème rinse will help. This, however, works by locking moisture in your dog’s fur making it rather difficult to completely dry it. A far better solution is the use of after-bath antistatic products like Ice on Ice or The Stuff.
Ensure you thoroughly rinse and squeeze out as much water off of your dog as you can then step back if he starts to shake off. Once you have towel dried your dog make use of a dryer or a force blower to finish up the process.
As a precaution: if your dog has drape-coat like a Lhasa Apso or an Afghan, using the velocity of the force dryer will tangle your dog’s hair. If you opt to use the velocity dryer, move slowly further and use it at a distance. Most groomers in part crate dry these dog types and always have low-speed dryers at hand. Drying a long-haired dog is rather demanding of time and effort, hence many long-haired dog owners often opt to call in Likeable Pets to do the job for them.
Giving your dog a thorough brushing before bath will help detangle the fur and remove loose hairs. Always brush your dog against the grain from the legs moving towards the head. Then move to the force dryer to blow out stray hairs and detangle before wetting its fur.
Once done, wet your dog from bottom to rear then upwards then apply shampoo on its coat and brush it through. Crème rinses or conditions your dog’s coat to prevent static. Carefully rinse and squeeze out as much water off of your dog as you can then step back if he starts to shake it off.
Even when you become an expert at washing your dog, it is a good practice to visit a professional groomer once a month.
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