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flea, tick and running dog
Healthy Dog

Flea and Tick Prevention for Your Dog

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Flea and tick with running dog

April is “Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month,” and so we thought this would be a good time to discuss keeping your fur friend safe from both ticks, which spread Lyme disease, as well as fleas. It is no secret that flea and tick prevention for your dog is an important part of keeping your pet safe and healthy. Unfortunately, finding the right preventive products can be a challenge for busy pet owners who may not have the time – or the sufficient knowledge – to find the best option for their beloved pet. This article focuses on the importance of flea and tick prevention for your dog, as well as offering advice on how to find the most effective products available.

As pet owners, we all want what’s best for our furry companions. We want them to be healthy and happy, and free from the bothersome (and potentially dangerous) pests like fleas and ticks. Luckily, there are a number of options available when it comes to preventing these pesky critters from taking up residence on our dogs. However, with so many different products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your pet.

To help you in your search for the best flea and tick preventive for your dog, here are a few things to keep in mind:

-The active ingredients in the product.
-The age, weight, and health of your dog.
-Your dog’s lifestyle (indoor, outdoor, or both).
-Any potential allergies your dog may have.

While flea and tick prevention is important for all dog owners, it is especially crucial for those with dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors. Dogs who are regularly exposed to ticks are at a higher risk for developing Lyme disease, a serious and potentially debilitating condition that can affect both humans and animals. Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, and it can cause a wide range of symptoms including fever, joint swelling, and fatigue. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious problems like kidney damage and even heart failure.

For dogs who spend time in tick-prone areas, it is important to find a flea and tick preventive that contains an effective tick repellent. Products that contain ingredients like fipronil or permethrin are typically the most effective at repelling ticks, and they can provide added peace of mind for pet owners who want to keep their dogs safe from this potentially deadly disease.

Keep the above factors in mind when searching for a flea and tick preventive, and you’ll be sure to find the best option to keep your furry friend safe and pest-free.

Of course, tick prevention is not only important for dogs who spend time outdoors. Even indoor dogs can be at risk for tick-borne diseases if they are not properly protected. Regardless of where your dog spends most of his time, it is important to find a flea and tick preventive that is right for your pet.

So, what is the best flea and tick preventive for your dog? The answer may vary depending on the individual dog, but there are a few products that are generally considered to be among the most effective. Frontline, Advantix, and Revolution are all popular choices, and they contain a variety of different active ingredients that have been proven to be effective against both fleas and ticks.

No matter which product you choose, it is important to follow the directions carefully and apply the product as directed. This will help to ensure that your dog is properly protected against fleas and ticks, and it will also help to prevent any potential side effects that could occur if the product is not used as directed. When it comes to protecting your dog from fleas and ticks, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

For even more detailed information on products that can help you keep your dog safe from fleas and ticks there is a great article from the American Veterinary Medical Association HERE.

And please feel free to check out some more content on the Pet Stop Blog about pet health and wellness.

Smiling mature woman hugging her dog outside in her yard

First-Aid For Dogs

Part 1: Emergency Care

By Kelley Kombrinck

First Aid for Dogs
Veterinarian wrapping bandage around a dog’s leg

One of the things that charms us so much about dogs is their curiosity. They are inquisitive and explorative creatures who want to understand and interact with their surroundings. It is a very relatable, human trait that we find endearing. However, from time to time, it can also lead to our furry friends getting themselves into situations that could be potentially dangerous, or even life threatening.

Of course, any obvious, severe injuries, sickness or emergencies should be left to the expertise of your veterinarian, but sometimes quick action at home can help your dog be more comfortable and potentially stable until they can be seen by the vet. Occasionally too, there will be minor incidents that don’t require a trip to the animal clinic, but can, and should, be attended to at home.

In this 3-part series we will go over how to identify an emergency, some things you can do to help, pet CPR, and supplies you should keep around the house, just in case.

How to Know an Emergency

How to Know an Emergency
How to Know an Emergency

As always (and we will mention this more than once throughout this post), if there is any doubt, call the vet. They are trained to know what to look for and how to handle threats to your animal’s health.

It is important to know what constitutes an “emergency,” for your dog. The first part of identifying the severity level of a situation with your dog, is knowing what is normal for them. You should be familiar with their appetite, sleep habits, temperament, and bathroom habits. Any significant and ongoing change in any of these can be a sign that something is wrong. This is particularly true of their bowel movements. Changes in frequency, appearance or even odor can be indicators of serious problems.

However, sometimes there is an obvious problem that needs immediate attention from a professional. Below is a list of situations where you should seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible. If your dog(s) are experiencing anything from the list below, get them to the vet.

  • aren’t breathing or have trouble breathing
  • are unresponsive
  • have collapsed and can’t seem get up
  • having a seizure
  • may have broken bones
  • not moving as well as usual or lacking normal coordination
  • have possibly ingested something toxic
  • experience vomiting or diarrhea for over than 24 hours.

With that in mind, there are some things you can do to help your dog hang in there and be more comfortable until they’re able to be seen (if the problem is immediate and cannot totally wait).

Checking Your Dog’s Pulse

Checking Your Dog’s Pulse
Checking Your Dog’s Pulse

There may come a time when you will need to check for your dog’s pulse. The vet on the phone may ask you if you can find it, and if so, what is the heartrate (beats per minute).

To find the dog’s pulse quickly, check the along their thigh, somewhere in the upper third. Place your hand over the top of their thigh and gently squeeze or press your fingers just underneath their leg, on the inside of the thigh. You should be able to feel a pulse.  NOTE: Try not to locate your dog’s pulse using your thumb. Your thumb also has a pulse and could mislead you on what your dog’s pulse actually is. Once you’ve found the pulse, time it for 15 seconds. You can then multiply by 4 to get the beats per minute.

Taking Care of Burns

Taking Care of Burns
Taking Care of Burns

Burns can happen in a variety of ways. If your dog gets a semi-serious to severe burn, the first step is to make sure you cool the wound/burn with water for about 10 minutes.  You don’t want to apply any dressings that will stick to the burn and if you are crating your dog on the way to the vet, just make sure you have a clean, smooth plastic surface for them to rest on. Sheets and blankies can also stick to burnt skin and will complicate treatment. Also, it is not recommended to use cling film with your dog.

Bleeding Claw

Bleeding Claw
Bleeding Claw

It’s important to care for your dog’s claws and clipping them can be tricky. It’s easy to clip them too far up and cause bleeding. If you have accidentally nicked the claw too far up and it starts bleeding, put an absorbent dressing over the paw and wrap the bandage securely (but not too tight) as far up their leg as you can so the dressing stays in place. Keep a close eye on your dog’s paw and if the bleeding doesn’t seem to be slowing or stopping, contact your vet.

These are just a few tips for helping keep your dog happy and healthy in case of an unfortunate injury or accident. You can find more safety tips on the Pet Stop blog in our article from 2012 HERE and be sure to check back in next month for part two of our dog First Aid series where we will discuss how to administer CPR to your pet and some other helpful hints.

A happy, healthy, beautiful dog
A happy, healthy, beautiful dog

Posted in: dog safety, Healthy Dog

Signs of a Healthy Dog

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dog running in grassJust as scheduling regular veterinary checkups is important, so too is being able to understand the signs of a healthy and unhealthy dog. Learning how to recognize these signs will help you keep your dog healthy and happy.

Cold Nose = Healthy Dog? Maybe.

Curious by nature, your dog’s first impulse when interested in anything is to sniff around a bit.  However, don’t be alarmed if your dogs’ nose is warm; a dogs’ nose will fluctuate between warm and cold throughout the day. If your dog’s nose is warm for a prolonged period of time or shows signs of cracking, you should take your dog to the vet.

Likewise, if you notice your dog’s nose is always cold, this could be the sign of a cold. Just as you would expect your nose to be running if you were sick, your dog’s will too.

Healthy Eyes and Ears

While some dogs have eyes that tear up naturally, under normal circumstances your dog should have free and clear eyes. If you notice your dogs’ eyes consistently discharging or appear to be red or irritated, consult your veterinarian.

You should think of cleaning your dogs’ ears just as you would your own. If you notice your dog is scratching their ears more, this could be an indication of an infection. Dogs with more hair in their ears may need more frequent cleaning as well.

dog running in grassShow Your Smile

Take care to ensure your dog has healthy and clean teeth that are free of plaque and tartar build up. While you can brush your dog’s teeth just as you would your own, an easy way to help your dog have healthy teeth and gums is to give them treats that are specifically designed to help keep their teeth clean. As an added benefit, they can also help keep your dog from having “dog breath”.

Manage Your Dog’s Weight

Most dogs aren’t going to turn down a bowl full of food when you put it in front of them; all the more reason to regulate how much food your dog eats. Dogs that are overweight have increased risk of other health problems including heart and respiratory issues.

As different breeds benefit from different portions and formulas of food, you should consult your vet on the best choice for your dog. At an ideal weight, you should be clearly see their waist and be able to gently feel your dog’s ribs on the sides. An indication of an overweight dog could be struggling during times of exercise or playing.

Paws and Pads

Having four feet means there’s twice as many feet to worry about than you’re used to. While your dog’s pads are designed to be tough and resilient, they still need proper care. Routinely trimming their nails is one way to ensure their feet stay healthy. While trimming their nails, you can also check for any redness, swelling or foreign objects.

Your dog may not be able to tell you what they need, but understanding these signs and indicators will ensure your dog remains happy and healthy.

Posted in: dog safety, Healthy Dog, Healthy Dog Signs, petstop

How to Have Fun with your Pets While Staying Active

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Walking or Running

Exercising with your dog is a great way to keep you and your best friend healthy. If part of your exercise routine includes walking or running, consider taking your dog along with you. This will help keep your dog healthy and can be considered a time to bond and build your relationship. Remember to bring along water both for yourself and your dog though; they get tired and thirsty just like you.

Swimming

If you have access to a pool or lake, swimming can be great exercise for your dog and will help keep them cool on those hot days. While most dogs can swim, you should be slow to introduce your dog to the water to first make sure they are comfortable with this activity. Although you may find they’ll leap right in without a second thought!

The Dog ParkThe Dog Park

If you have a dog park nearby, this can be a great way to spend time with your dog and provide them with lots of space for running and playing. Giving your dog the opportunity to interact with other dogs can also help your dog to get used to seeing other animals.

In terms of training, dogs can benefit greatly by watching and learning how other dogs behave and interact with their owners and one another. Wide open spaces like the park also serve as excellent places for games of fetch.

Teach Your Dog an Old Trick

While playing fetch may be an old trick, this can be a great activity for you and your pet to enjoy. This activity works better with larger breeds as they are more likely to chase after things than smaller dogs, but you should still use an object that is relative to your dogs’ size.

While traditionally you may think to just throw a stick, you can also use a ball or Frisbee. You can also throw many objects at once. When first playing fetch with your dog, it will help them to learn if you actively engage and chase after them or run with them after the object for the first few times.

Your Dog Likes to Win

Playing a game like tug-of-war with your dog is a great way to get your dog moving, but there are a couple things to note. You should use an ideally sized rope for your dog; using a rope too large will prevent your dog from being able to get a good grip and they’ll become frustrated rather than enjoy the fun.

If you get the distinct impression your dog is using all their strength to get the rope from you, you’re probably right. Your dog will treat tug-of-war as a game they want to win so don’t be afraid to lose the match. Especially since using all your strength could be dangerous for your dog as you may accidentally injure their jaw, teeth, or their pride!

There are still many things you can do with your dog to stay healthy including dancing, hiking, agility training, yoga, soccer, or cycling. Experiment to learn which activities suit you and your dog the best.

Posted in: Active pets, Dog Park, Healthy Dog, petstop