Flea and Tick Collars: Making Smart Choices

Flea and tick infections have been described by vets and experts, as one of the greatest threats faced by domestic pets like dogs and cats. These parasites mercilessly feed on the blood and nutrients present in the pet’s body, leaving the poor animal in a lifeless state. 

Considering the gravity of the threat faced and the consequences involved, it was deemed important to design specialised collars, which were comfortable and could safeguard against the menace of fleas and ticks. Over the years, there have been several top-quality flea and tick collars designed by companies around the world, which eliminate their presence from the animal’s skin effectively, providing long-term results. Let’s take a look at some of the best flea& tick collars currently available in the market, which pet lovers should certainly invest in:

Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs: Seresto flea & tick collars have been hailed as one of the most effective products ever designed with the benefits visible in just 1 week. The collars are also designed taking into consideration the needs and want of dogs of all sizes, with multiple collars in different sizes available. The collars are also extremely durable and worth the expenditure, as they last for a period of 8 months in comparison to average collars which last for simply 2 to 3 months.  

Scalibor Protector Band for Dogs: Scalibor protector band for dogs provides a one-stop solution for dog lovers forced to search for products in different sizes, which fits their dog perfectly. The collar is available in a single size, which is capable of fitting the requirements of dogs of different sizes. It is water resistant in nature and leaves the body free of fleas within just 24 hours. At the same time, it should not be applied on dogs, which are less than 12 years. 

 

Kiltix Tick Collar For Dogs: The flea-collar provides results at an effective pace and is also highly efficient in controlling ticks of different species and sizes. It ensures complete relief from any fleas, brown dog and bush ticks up to a period of 5 months. The collar also plays a very vital role in safeguarding the pet from being affected by paralysis ticks till a period of 6 weeks. It is dog-friendly as well and can be used to fit dogs of all sizes. At the same time, there are certain precautions which need to be undertaken with regard to proper utilization of the collar:

·       It should not be exposed to children because of the chemicals involved which may be harmful to their health.

·      There should be a gap of 2 fingers between the collar and the neck of the pet.

·      It is also advisable to remove the collar during swimming to ensure lasting effectiveness.

Bayopet Tick and Flea Collar: The collar is safe for being used on both dogs and puppies which makes it a safe purchase for dogs of all age groups. It is easy to use as well with a unique formula which helps in killing fleas and ticks. The chances of any insect infestation on the skin of the pet are minimized due to the dissemination of parasiticides on the coat from the collar.  

Choosing Dog Supplies For Correct Grooming

Grooming is an essential part of maintaining a good health in pets. However, it is also important that it is done correctly and with the right product. Though we are already aware of the health consequences a pet can face if they aren’t cleaned regularly, we must also pay attention to the quality and usage of the products we are purchasing. Wrong products and supplies can actually drag your pet into more trouble than you had thought of. As you all know fleas and ticks are a major problem amongst pets, so you should be aware of the right kind of combs, shampoos, sprays or powders must be used to get the desired results. Apart from that, oral hygiene must also be taken into serious consideration to protect the dog from contracting dental infections. The right kind of toothbrush can go a long way in maintaining a good health in dogs. Using any random brush and paste that wither their teeth and harm their gums is just not right. It will only invite diseases which will deteriorate the pet’s overall health eventually. So, here is a complete guide as to what products you must use for the correct grooming in dogs so you won’t have to face health issues unnecessarily.

Right Hair-Brush According To Hair Type For Dogs

Bristle Brush

This brush is the most common one and can be used for short to long hair. For long pet hair, a widely spaced and firm bristled hairbrush is apt whereas for short haired dogs soft-bristled brush is good. Closely spaced bristles help increase smoothness and shine in Hounds, retrievers and Chihuahuas.

Wire-pin Brush

Dogs with curly and woolly coats must be combed with a wire-pin brush. They suit dogs with medium to the long hair coat. Wire-pin brush removes grains and flea dirt amazingly from Yorkies and Maltese.

Slicker Brush

A Slicker brush is closely bristled and is used to remove tangles and mats in dogs. This brush can be used to comb Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Setters, etc that have long coats.

One can also purchase a separate Flea comb which is especially used to remove fine grains of flea dirt in dogs.

Claw Trimmers For Dogs

Long claws in dogs can cause difficulty in walking and may also snip your precious sofas and other household items wherever the pet goes. Therefore, chopping their nails on time is important and must be done with specially designed trimmers that come in various styles. Three most common ones are – claw style, guillotine trimmer, and scissor-like trimmer. A scissor-like trimmer is specifically helpful for dogs that have frail nails.

Correct Shampoos And Conditioners For Dogs  

MalAcetic Shampoo

This shampoo contains natural ingredients like acetic acid and boric acid that are highly beneficial in removing mild bacterial and fungal infections on the dog’s coat. With its highly moisturizing properties, the shampoo is really good for a dry fur-coat.

MalAcetic Conditioner

Malacetic conditioner works great when used in conjunction with MalAcetic shampoo. It provides subtle shine to the coat and softens the fur like feathers. Its natural ingredients restore and repair the damaged coat by moisturizing it thoroughly. Moreover, the conditioner has a soothing effect on the skin and also imparts a long-lasting protection against microbes.

Malaseb Shampoo

Helps maintain the pH of the pet’s skin and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has been formulated to treat Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and Dermatophytosis successfully. Moreover, the active ingredient in this shampoo reduces itching drastically and provides complete protection against ringworm related skin infections.

Petscreen for Dogs

White colored and light colored dogs are susceptible to getting skin cancers and tumors more frequently than their darker counterparts. This makes it very essential for the pet owners to apply sunscreen to their dogs before heading out with your furry pal on a sunny day. Pet screen is a very good product that stays for long and has SPF23. It dries quickly and provides broad coverage.

Dental Products For Dogs

Finger Brush

A finger brush is specifically designed dental tool to thoroughly clean the teeth of the dog and you just need to slip your index finger into it to get started.

Dog Toothpaste

Pet Dent Toothpaste is uniquely formulated to shave off plaque and tartar from the dog’s mouth easily. It also removes food debris stuck inside the cavities easily and is thus highly efficient in cleaning the dog’s teeth appropriately. Besides stopping bad breath, it also polishes the teeth giving a healthy white shine to the dog’s smile.

Oral Rinse

Oral rinses are also meant to stop bad breath in dogs and have tartar removing properties in them. A product called Orovet Oral rinse is highly effective in healing the cavities in the dog’s mouth after surgery. Its antibacterial properties also reduce inflammation of the afflicted gums.

Pet Dent Oral rinse is another very popular product in the market that removes germs and bacteria in the dog’s mouth. Its palatable flavor is accepted by the pet as well. So no chasing around!

Ears

Ear cleansers and cotton balls and pads are perfect tools. Ear solutions like CleanAural Ear and Epi-otic for dogs are very effective and highly renowned for giving best results.

Grooming facilitates good health as - cleaner the pet will be, lesser will be his chances of getting germs, bacterial and fungal infections. But products that don’t clean properly may just waste your money and cause infections in pets even after you groom him regularly. So, always be sure of the quality of the product you are using on your pet and whether the product is formulated for his breed or not. Trust me… a good product will save both your money and time, besides providing a healthy look to your furry companion!

Lungworms In Cats – Signs, Treatment And Prevention

A pet owner must always be aware of the possible culprits which can cause diseases in their cats. One such foe to kitties is lungworm.

What Is A Lungworm?

Lungworms are hair-like parasitic worms that cause respiratory tract infection, bronchitis or pneumonia in cats. The most common species that affect cats are Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, and the one that infests both the felines and canines are Capillaria aerophila. These parasites can cause tremendous damage to the lung tissue and can live in the body for almost two years. Their larva can be detected in the feces and this disease is more common in outdoor cats that are at higher risk of picking up the worms through rodents.

How Cats Get Infected?

Lungworms in Cats are transmitted through rodents like snail, mouse, rat, frog, slug, bird or lizard. These rodents may contain lungworms which can be transmitted to cats’ gastrointestinal tract once they prey on it. These lungworms then traverse through the gut linings which then migrate to the lungs. After reaching the lungs, they transform into adults and lay eggs. These eggs can be seen in the feces of the cat or they may even cough it out.

What are The Symptoms Of Lungworms In Cats?

Heavily infested cat may exhibit symptoms like:

·        Shortness of breath

·        Wheezing

·        Loss Of Appetite

·        Wheezing

·        Weakness

·        Lethargy

·        Breathing through Mouth

·        Fever

·        Pulmonary edema

·        Air In Plueral cavity

·        Interstitial Emphysema

Treatment Of Lungworms In Cats

Various tests are required for the diagnosis of the worms in cats. These may include: Fecal Examination, tracheal wash, Complete Blood Count (CBC) and X-rays. Once the lungworms are detected, deworming treatment is recommended by the vet. Products like Advocate Cat, Panacur, Revolution For Cats and many more work quite effectively against lungworms. Your vet may also prescribe some antibiotics for treating other worm related infections and inflammations.

Prevention Of Lungworms In Cats

·        Cats must be mostly kept indoors so she doesn’t feed on rodents or other transmitters of infections from the surroundings.

·        Scoop the feces immediately and don’t leave it for other time even if you are super busy.

·        Keep your garden clean and remove any fecal matter or unnecessary dirt from the lawn regularly.

·        Spray rodent repellent in the yard.

·        Consult your vet if you see any signs of lungworms in your kitty.

Buy Cat Worming Products Online

Tips To Encourage Active Lifestyle For Your Dog

Nowadays most of the dogs have become couch potatoes! They are spoon fed and are hardly involved in physical activities. This is why obesity rate of pets is drastically increasing day by day and they are contracting more diseases. So if you don’t want your dog to have that kinda sedentary lifestyle, you will have to be super active yourself. You cannot take your dog out unless you yourself put in some efforts. If you really want your furry pal to get in the action mode, you have to figure out activities that will encourage your dog to burst out those extra calories. Getting some exercise to vent out his energy will also prevent him from getting edgy and bored. So, follow these tips.

Plan Your Day

Strategize your whole day in a manner that you have time to involve your pet in some physical exercises like running, jogging or simply walking. You can take him along when going shopping down the street or go to his favourite park. This way you will also get some time to spend with your dog and will give those muscles some toning.

Play Fetch

Fetch is a great way to have fun and exercise together. It helps the Fido to run for the ball and bring it back to you. Fetch involves lots of running which keeps the pet fit.

Take Him In The Pool

Swimming is another calorie shedding exercise which you can do along with your dog. It is an intensity workout yet fun for both you and your dog. However, be vigilant while your dog is in water.

Play Hide And Seek

What can be more fun than playing hide and seek? You can play it with your Fido when you don’t want to go out and in fact, involve your kids as well.

Go Camping On Weekends With Your Dog

Exploring the woods is certainly interesting. It indirectly helps dogs to walk more while they get into the mode of discovering the place. However, make sure you apply a good flea and tick repellent so he doesn’t contract any parasites. While in the woods, do keep a watch on him all the time.  

Taking Him To Beach

Beach is the best place to enjoy a walk with your pet. You can also run along the seashore to give some exercise to your muscles. Beach is also a perfect place to play Frisbee with your dog.

Changing a lifestyle into an active one completely depends on you. Introducing these activities in your pet as well as your life will help both of you stay active, energetic and stress-free. This way you also get to spend quality time with your pets and prevent their boredom. . It will also improve his joint health by eliminating stiffness. Moreover, such activities are known to improve stress levels in pets so if you aren’t doing them already, start today. If at all he has joint issues, give him supplements and reduce the intensity of exercise. But, do not skip it completely.  

Buy Pet Medications Online: https://www.discountpetcare.com.au/

A Guide To Buy Perfect Dog Bed: Way To Good Joints

A mattress that is comfortable, soft and goes with the sleeping pattern of your dog is as important as food and other supplements. A good quality bed provides perfect support to the spine and joints of the dog and releases pressure points. As a result, the dog gets up active and fresh. The better rest his body receives, the longer he stays physically healthy in his lifespan. Moreover, different dogs have different sleeping positions. Therefore, choosing a bed according to the requirement is of utmost importance. An over-padded bed also won’t be of any use as it could cause spinal issues and discomfort in dogs. It doesn’t sink as per the shape of the body. Thus, we must choose a good quality bed that has an ideal sponge and a good support. Avoid cheap mattresses that go lumpy after multiple uses. It will only harm your pet’s joints and spine worsening the situation if your dog is already old or is dealing with joint issues. So, go for a good quality product which is a perfect fit for your dog’s size. How to do that? Read On.

How To Choose A Perfect Dog Bed:

Take The Size Of Your Dog

Your dog’s bed should have enough space so he can stretch or relax comfortably. Therefore, you must first measure your dog’s length before zeroing in on any bed that you think would fit. Grab a measuring tape and take the length from his nose to the tip of his feet. It will give you the perfect size. Else if the dog sleeps curled up then consider the length between his nose and the posterior and while buying the bedding add extra 20 centimeters to it.

A pet with a weight of 0-5 kg may need 90cm*75cm of bed, 5-10 kg dog may require a 60*75cm walled bed or 90*75 cm pillow bed. A medium sized dog that weighs around 10-25 kg must be provided with a walled bed of 70*55 cm size or a pillow bed with 115* 90 cm measurement.

Observe The Sleeping Pattern

Some dogs sleep in a donut pattern where the body is completely curled up and rounded to feel warm and safe.  Round bed or square bed with high side padding is perfect for such dogs.

The Superdog position is when the dog lies on his tummy with the limbs stretched out. A large mattress flatbed with good padding is ideal for such snoozers.

Side sleepers have their body weight on the spinal cord and the legs are stretched out. Therefore, they need a bed that has side padding to support the body and equally good cushion for the pressure points like shoulders and hips in this position.

Check The Material Of The Bed   

You must always choose a pet that is water-resistant and washable. Beddings may have flea eggs or larva that could transform into adults easily as the pet sits on the bed. These parasites must be removed immediately else it may infest the dog making him ill. But you can only do that either by throwing the mattress away or washing it in the machine. And obviously, it is not feasible to change a good quality expensive mattress every month. Therefore, the material must be checked for durability. It should be made of superior quality materials.

Go For A Bed That Is Resistant To Molds And Fungus

Many dogs have the habit of sleeping outdoors. This increases the chances of the bed to get dirty easily and is prone to molds and fungus which is extremely unhealthy for the dog. Thus, in order to safeguard your Fido from getting the infection through the bed, choose a bed which is resistant to fungus and dirt.  

Dogs require perfect sized bedding not just for a comfortable snooze but to support his entire body. It is also a nest from where he gazes you at a distance and defines his own territory to feel safe and protected under the ceilings. So try and buy a high-quality bed that relaxes his tired muscles and joints after a long active day.

If you have a dog that is already dealing with joint issues, try replacing his current bed and start joint supplements to improve his condition. You sure gonna see the change!

Buy Dog Supplements Online: https://www.discountpetcare.com.au/dogs/t1.aspx

Ways To Discourage Cats From Scratching Your Furniture

Scratching in cats is instinctual. Though it may seem quite destructive to us this behavior is quite normal in cats. Scratching is a kind of exercise to their body and they generally scratch the furniture or household items to mark their territory. It also acts as a stress-busting activity for a distressed cat. Felines have an urge to claw your furniture as it seems to be the best and most accessible surface to scratch and leave its marking. However, if this behavior is incessantly damaging your household items, better stop it. You can also check if the culprit is not fleas.

1.    Use Spray To Deter Your Cat From Scratching

Scratching can be reduced in your feline by spraying them with water or lemon-water mix. Cats avoid the citrusy smell, therefore, spraying the cat with it will help eliminate scratching on furniture or upholstered beddings or corners of the sofa.

2.    Provide A Cat Scratcher To Your Kitty

Buy scratching boards or posts to satiate her clawing cravings. Keep the posts in the areas where your cat scratches the most. For instance, near the sofa. The cat will get distracted and will try to claw the post instead of tearing your brand new sofa.

3.    Trim Her Claws

Make the best use of a clipper and cut the sharp claws short thereby making them blunt. With blunt-ended nails, she won’t be able to tear or damage your household items.

4.    Cap Her Claws

There are rubber caps available for cats’ claws which may help in preventing her from tearing things. It may help you save your precious items from getting ripped off.

5.    Train Her For ‘NO’ Command

Whenever you find your kitty nearing your furniture in an attempt to scratch it, command her to stop there right away by saying ‘No’ in a raised voice. This will halt her right there and she will move away from the furniture or wherever she was heading to.

6.    Give Her Treat To Distract

Treats can entice any pet. Using treats to distract your cat’s attention from the clawed household item can prove very effective as she would be happy to have it. In turn, you will be able to distract her from her main target.

Scratching is an inevitable activity for cats. It gives them relief, therefore, you need to be careful when adding restrictions as it may increase aggression in cats. To calm her down from the stress, you can also use a diffuser so that she doesn’t go overboard with her instinctual ability. However, be patient with your cat as the behavioral transformation may take time.  

Buy Cat Supplies Online: https://www.discountpetcare.com.au

Which One Is Better For Your Dog? Royal Canin vs Eukanuba

We have been feeding our dogs with the food products of these manufacturers for years and they have stood up to our expectations so far. However, new pet parents still find it bewildering as to whose products they must choose to provide a wholesome diet to their beloved furry pals. There are so many products available on the market that certainly is confusing to make the best choice out of all. Therefore, to sort out this dilemma we have made a comparison between the two most renowned brands of the pet food industry – Royal Canin and Eukanuba. Let’s have a peek-a-boo at the nutrition portfolio of the two brands and their pricing.

 The Key Differences Between Royal Canin and Eukanuba

There are many factors that play an important role in comparing the quality of the food products. We will go through them one by one to give to differentiate the two brands.

Royal Canin vs Eukanuba

1.     Crude Protein Comparison

While making an analysis, crude protein plays an essential role as protein is a primary requisite of every living organism. If we compare the protein content present in Royal Canin and Eukanuba, there is hardly a difference of 2%. Royal Canin's protein level varies from 25-30% whereas Eukanuba’s varies from 19- 29% according to the size of the dog.

2.     Crude Fat In The Products

Fats help in proper functioning and development of the dog’s body. They play a key role in vitamin absorption in the body, produces lipid compounds and are helpful in improving the skin and coat. Royal Canin and Eukanuba have 14-19% and 12- 18% fat respectively, without any major difference altogether.

3.     Crude Fibre Content

We all know how important fibre is for our digestive and intestinal health. Royal Canin imparts 1.5 to 1.7% fibre from its products whereas Eukanuba provides 1.6- 2.1% crude fibre.

4.     Comparison Between Food Ingredients Used

Eukanuba’s products generally use chicken meat or fish meal for protein and fat supplement. Corn is an essential grain which is used in almost all of their food products.

Ingredients that make the major source of nutrition in Royal Canin’s products are:

·                  Brewer’s Rice

·                  Corn

·                  Chelated minerals for absorption

Both the brands use some controversial products viz. Caramel, Pea Protein, Tomato Pomace which may cause allergy to some pets. Therefore one must choose the product after checking the complete ingredients.

5.     Safety Comparison

These two brands have been on the market for ages. People have used them successfully without much of a safety issue. Royal Canin had salmonella issues once but so did Eukanuba for melamine and excess vitamin D3. Therefore, overall, both have equal safety levels.

6.     Price Range

Although Royal Canin is a little expensive than Eukanuba, the prices vary per pound according to the moisture content present in the particular product.  Wet food will have more price than dry ones.

Conclusion

Royal Canin Dog Food and Eukanuba, both have ideal percentages of protein, fat and fibre content and are equally safe for dogs. It is up to the pet owner’s discretion to make a choice which is best for their pet. Some pets may have protein deficiency and some others may need more fibre in their diet. Therefore, it is wise to choose according to the nutrient which your pet requires the most. Either of the two brands is good for dogs so you can make your own choice freely.