Facts About Lyme Disease In Dogs Every Parent Should Know

Lyme disease, as you all must be knowing, is a tick-borne disease. Meaning, this particular disease is transmitted by just a solitary tick bite. It is a severe disease and can not only affect humans but also our pets. This is a multi-systemic disease that affects multiple organs at the same time. Hence, keeping your pets away from ticks is very important. In this blog though, we will be looking at a few Lyme disease facts that every pet parent should know about. So, lets dive in!

Lyme Disease Facts Every Dog Parent Should Know

Below are some Lyme disease related facts that dog parents should know about. Take a good read and do not forget to share them among other pet parents as well.

#Fact 1: Actual Cause Of Lyme Disease

Most say that Lyme disease is caused by ticks, which is incorrect. Ticks are only the carriers of the disease. In actuality, the bacterial spirochetes of the genus Borrelia, most commonly known as Borrelia burgdorferi are the actual cause of this disease.

#Fact 2: All Ticks Carry The Disease?

Not all tick types carry the Lyme disease. Only the black-legged tick or deer tick and western black-legged ticks are the carriers of Lyme disease. Moreover, other species of ticks transmit this disease in Asia and Europe.

#Fact 3: Quick Transmission

Lyme disease is transmitted quickly from ticks. It takes approximately 36 to 48 hours for an infected tick to be attached to your pet’s body before Lyme disease can be transmitted from a tick bite.

#Fact 4: Deer Ticks Can Survive The Cold

Unfortunately, deer ticks; the carriers of the Lyme disease, can survive freezing temperatures (32 °F). So if you think your dog is safe from Lyme disease during the cold wintery months; think again!

#Fact 5: Subtle Symptoms

When a disease is detected, it becomes imperative to take action as quickly as possible. But unfortunately, Lyme disease symptoms are really subtle. It can be difficult to detect symptoms, which is why, regular vet checks is important. And the same time, putting your buddy on a tick preventative schedule is equally essential too.

These 5 facts about Lyme disease should keep pet parents on their toes and help them to be more vigilant when it comes to taking care of their four-legged pals. Stay alert, stay safe, and as usual, keep your pets safe too.

Lungworm And Cat. Things You Need To Know

What do you think? Why is your cat facing difficulty while breathing? It may be a sign of some infection in your cat. You might be worried as your feline is not showing the same enthusiasm that she used to show on regular days. Your cat may be infected by lungworm. Few things you need to know about lungworm infection.

About Lungworm

Hair-shaped looking worms are small but are capable of causing great damage to a cat’s lungs. The size of a lungworm ranges from one to eight centimeters in length. The size of female lungworms is long compared to males.

Female Lungworm- about 9mm

Male Lungworm- about 4-7mm

Adult lungworms can remain for around 2 years in the lungs and produce the larvae that can be seen in their feces.

Cat Lungworm:

There are many parasites that you may or may not be aware of that affect your feline and causing serious harm to their respiratory system. Lungworm is one of those parasites. Lungworm is found in small arteries of the lungs and airways in your feline.

Lungworm Found In Cats

• Aelurostrongylus abstrusus
• Eucoleus aerophilous

Process Of Lungworm Infection In Cat

When a cat consumes any contaminated food or water or any infected small animals like birds, lizards, or frogs, they get this infection. As soon as the cat eats them the lungworm larvae find their way to the lungs by passing through the gut wall. This process takes around 8 days. The larvae get mature in the lungs and lay their eggs in airways and lung tissue.

Some Prevalent Facts About Cat Lungworm

• Cats that are easily accessible to slugs or snails are more likely to get infected with lungworm.
• Hunting cats have a high chance of getting this infection if they consume any contaminated food or water or eat infected rats, lizards, mice, or frogs.

Signs Of Lungworms

Lungworm causes serious harm to the lungs and respiratory system. Not many cats show the symptoms of lungworm infection but the symptoms are seen in the long run that is between 6 to 12 weeks. They are:

• Constant coughing
• short breathing
• Nasal release
• Depression
• fatigue
• weight loss
• Sneezing

Why is lungworm dangerous?

• As mentioned above the lungworm can do great damage to the feline’s lung tissue and respiratory system.
• An infected cat remains larvae infective for around 2 years and it also creates a contaminated environment for other cats too.
• At an initial stage, you may not see any symptoms in cats. As time passes you will observe the symptoms.
• It is advisable to consult your vet if you see one or more symptoms mentioned above.

Treatment

Your vet will give the appropriate recommendation of what treatment to be carried on to protect your cat. If the infection is not major your vet may suggest you keep a regular check on your cat and let it naturally eradicate the worms.

Some preventive measures

Preventive measures are the best way to protect your cat that consists:

• Prevent the hunting behavior in cats
• Regular cleaning of feces of your cat
• Keep the cat inside especially during the dusk and dawn and avoid their access to contaminated food or water
• Give them a balanced diet
• Use preventive products

The above-mentioned information regarding lungworms will help you to take the suitable steps when you observe any particular symptoms in your cat.

What Food Can and Cannot Be Eaten by Dogs

Not many are aware of the food they’re giving their dog. When there are so many choices, it’s easy to just grab the first cheap bag you see on the shelf and call it a day. However, as a responsible pet parent, you must do research and prepare nutritious, healthy meals for your furry family member.

This is why we consider it is important the people should know which human foods are good for dogs and which aren’t. This is especially useful during an emergency. We’ll look at the truth about some commercially prepared dog food, what you should know about feeding your dog “human” food, and a great alternative for pet parents who want to give their dog a human-grade diet.

A few human foods that are safe for both dogs and cats to consume, and include:

• Salmon       
• Bread
• Eggs
• Spinach
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Green beans
• Broccoli
• Yogurt
• Peanut butter
• Cottage cheese
• Carrots
• Cantaloupe
• Oatmeal
• Peas
• Bananas
• Cheese
• Pumpkin
• Blueberries
• Apples

There are foods that you should never give your cat or dog such as:

• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Soft drinks
• Avocados
• Foods containing Xylitol
• Chewing gum
• Macadamia nuts
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions
• Garlic
• Yeast dough

Bacon and other high-sodium foods should be avoided. Here are a few tips to help you transition from commercial pet food to giving your pet a healthy diet made up of ingredients you already have in your refrigerator or pantry. If you prepare your pet’s food at home, see your veterinarian ensure that it is getting all of its nutritional needs addressed.

You Feed Human Food to Your Dog Everyday

Yes. You heard it right. You should give your dog well-balanced, nutritious human food if you want him to be healthy. If you just feed commercial food to your pet, he may become ill and develop serious health problems.

The vast majority of human foods are safe for dogs to eat. Boneless, cooked meat, fish, and eggs are the bread and butter of a good canine diet. Don’t be afraid to include any of the fruits and vegetables listed above in your dog’s diet, and it’ll be the healthiest dog in no time.

If you want to move to an all-homemade diet, put a little less kibble and a little more cooked or raw food in your dog’s bowl each day for a week. Then you can eliminate kibble if you want to.

Use veggies, too

Although meat is the most important component of a balanced dog’s diet, vegetables and a modest bit of fruit are also useful. Dogs, like humans, consume a wide range of foods. They do appreciate a broad variety of foods.

Get the right balance

Before moving to completely homemade food, consult your veterinarian, then look for ideas online or on social media from your favorite raw balanced feeders.

Puppies, the elderly, and dogs with specific medical problems all have different nutritional needs. If you’re cooking for a puppy or a dog that isn’t yet an adult, consult a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist beforehand.

Watch the fat

Even though it’s a crucial part of a dog’s diet, too much fat might cause stomach upset or even pancreatitis. Hence, fatty meats, skins, butter, and other high-fat meals should be avoided.

Beware of bones

Cooked bones might cause choking or intestinal tearing. Although some proponents of natural pet food advocate consuming raw bones. Marrow bones, on the other hand, are considered safe as long as they’re at least two inches long to minimize splintering and don’t get stuck in your dog’s muzzle.

Don’t give your dog anything you wouldn’t eat yourself

When veterinarians say don’t feed table scraps, they mean don’t feed what’s left on the plate after you’ve eaten everything that would otherwise go down the garbage disposal if you didn’t have a dog. Fat, gristle, and skin aren’t good for your dog any more than they are for you.

Do your research

One of the most enjoyable things you’ll ever do is change the way you feed your dog but do your research first. There are a plethora of fantastic publications and resources to choose from. Before making any dietary changes, make sure you know what foods are dangerous to dogs and always seek guidance from a veterinarian.

If you want to add human foods to your dog’s diet, start with fresh, non-processed, no-carbohydrate foods like green leafy vegetables and raw meat. Scrambled eggs are also excellent, but keep the carbs to a minimum. Leftover bread and pizza are not permitted!

Now that you’ve solved the important concern of feeding your dog, you’ve set aside some time to stock up on extra dog food. It’ll be time to reintroduce your dog to their regular diet after that. But don’t go too fast. Sudden dietary changes can upset a dog’s tummy.

Return your dog to its regular diet gradually. Over several days, alternate increasing portions of their usual dog food with the “in a pinch” dish until your dog is solely eating their usual food. Because life is hectic, it’s inevitable to run out of dog food from time to time. Your dog will surely appreciate a human meal or two. Remember to eat nutritious “in a pinch” meals and get some normal dog food as soon as possible.

The 5 Best Flea And Tick Preventatives For Cats And Dogs | DiscountPetCare

Get the 5 best fleas and tick preventatives for cats and dogs. Fleas and Ticks are the most common parasites that can affect your dog or cat. The most common parasites that can affect your dog or cat are undoubted, fleas, and ticks.These pesky critters are dangerous and apart from causing excessive scratching and illness, they can spread diseases as well.

12 Pet Supplies Every Dog Parent Must Have!

How many times have you wished there was a solution for carrying too much stuff at once while out on a stroll with your dog? Or some kind of technology that could make your hectic life a little easier so you could better care for your four-legged best friend? Or maybe you can check in with them while you’re out running errands?

Fortunately, some clever people have already done the thinking and inventing for you! The following are some important dog supplies that you will never believe you could live without until today.

01|Leash for Dogs

The dog leash, often known as a lead, ties you to your dog. It is your dog’s safety line back to you that keeps them safe.

Even if your family has a fenced-in yard, a leash is essential for a variety of reasons. A leash can assist direct your puppy away from distractions during potty training.

When it comes to going to the vet, your dog will need to be leash trained. It’s also a good idea to have a leash on hand for walks around the neighborhood.

Even if you have a yard, walks keep your dog entertained and stimulated, and they are a crucial component of the human-puppy bonding and training process.

02|Dog Crate

Many people are put off by the sight of a crate but don’t be put off by its appearance. The crate is used to assist your puppy with potty training, and with little training, it may become a personal space for your dog to relax and feel comfortable.

It’s also a great spot to leave your dog when you can’t keep an eye on them to keep them safe. When you’re cooking supper and can’t keep an eye on the pet, this is a wonderful example. You can keep your puppy occupied by placing them in their crate with their favorite chew instead of allowing them to roam the house unsupervised.

Potty accidents, inappropriate chewing, undesired behaviors, or dangerous circumstances could result from roaming the house alone. When company comes over, a wonderful crate will be safe, durable, and quickly packed up and stored, and it can travel with you when you need to bring your puppy along.

03|Dog bed

During the house training procedure, you should get a dog bed that will fit into your puppy’s kennel.

When the puppy is in the kennel for naps or resting at night, he can lie on the bed. The bed will make the crate a cozier place for your dog, making them feel safer. Get one for your dog and make him feel extremely at ease.

O4|Food Bowl

Since your puppy will have a voracious appetite while developing, it is vital that your dog has a familiar food bowl that they may use every day for their meals.

Some plastic bowls are easily misidentified as toys, and pups are prone to knocking them over or chewing on them. We recommend that you get your dog a dishwasher-safe ceramic bowl.

05|ID tags

A personalized pet ID tag is a must-have item because, if your dog ever goes missing, the information engraved on the tag will allow anyone who discovers them to return your dog home.

Consider your dog’s identification tags to be their “ticket home” if they become lost. Your dog is unable to explain where they reside, who their owners are, or their phone numbers. Include your dog’s name and phone number on the tag so that anyone who finds your dog can contact you.

Your address, other phone numbers, and your name or social media handle are all optional information to place on an identity tag.

06|Collar

To keep your dog's identifying tags on them at all times, we recommend a leather dog collar with a buckle.

This matches with the ID tags above, so if your dog ever goes missing, the information engraved on the tags will help them find their way home.

A metal buckle is difficult to break, thus the collar must be strong. With those nylon collars and plastic buckle clips, too many pets have been lost or maimed. They simply aren’t as dependable.

07|Flea and Tick Protection

Unfortunately, huge fur coats provide excellent breeding grounds for parasites to feed and hide. Few of us bathe our dogs more than once or twice a month because regular bathing would not only remove necessary skin oils but also dry out their skin.

Flea/tick treatments, mainly in the form of topical ointments but also as chewable pills, are recommended by every veterinarian. Ticks can carry disease and fleas can readily build infestations if not kept in check, despite the fact that they usually do not pose a serious threat.

These parasites can also make your pet very uncomfortable. Some dogs are allergic to a flea’s saliva, and though most tick bites do not prove fatal, some do. Lyme disease is spread by ticks, and some ticks, such as the Australian paralysis tick, are highly deadly to our pets.

08|Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm preventatives, whether monthly or annually, are also essential treatments that every dog owner should provide. While fleas and ticks may not kill your dog, heartworm infestations can result in death if left untreated. If your dog contracts the parasite as a result of a mosquito bite, treatment for the ongoing infection can be costly, and irreversible damage is frequently the outcome.

Heartworm prevention is the best treatment for any dog. Even more important than flea and tick prevention, every dog owner should give their dog a monthly heartworm preventative or an annual injectable.

09|Harness

Most dogs should use a harness instead of a neck collar when walking on a leash. Neck collars can place a lot of strain on the muscles and trachea in the neck.

Harnesses come in a variety of styles, including body harnesses, chest harnesses, and face harnesses. For small to medium dog breeds, we recommend body or chest harnesses, and for giant breeds, choose face harnesses.

These various harness styles are available in a variety of dog sizes. A harness distributes pressure evenly throughout the device, and some harnesses can aid with tugging problems.

10|Toys

Dogs require activities to keep their minds busy and interested.

There are many different sorts of dog toys available for your puppy to play with. Toys that keep your dog active include retrieve balls, tug-of-war toys, plush toys with squeakers, and puzzle toys.

11|Training Clicker

Clicker training is a dog training approach that uses a clicking noise to signal your dog is doing what you want them to do at the exact moment you produce the noise.

You can link a reward to the click sound made by your dog training clicker, so your puppy learns that the click is a good thing. Clicker training is a type of positive reinforcement that may be used to teach a variety of commands to your dog.

We recommend enrolling your new puppy in puppy obedience lessons with a dog trainer to learn how to train your dog appropriately.

12| Treats

Last but not least, there are treats! Treats are essential for using in positive reinforcement dog training with your dog. We recommend getting soft chew dog training treats.

To avoid overfeeding your puppy, always use little bits of a treat during training. Your dog will prefer certain flavors over others, and this will vary based on your puppy’s personality.

Further Reading

Allow your beloved dog to run about and play. Give them an abundance of love and happiness. Take care of your beautiful pooches with the above-mentioned necessary pet items and pet supplies. Purchase branded items to ensure quality and utility. Because of their reputation, cost, and reliability, choose brands with a good rating and positive reviews. Our canine companions live for the day, the hour, and the moment. They are not our entire lives, but they do make them complete. So, as they give their best, give them the best!

Mother’s Day Offer 2021 | Special Sale For Your Special Furry Friend

Are you a new mom to a beautiful pet? Or is your pet mom expecting newborn puppies? Or do you want to break the monotony and have something fun for them? Whatever the scenario is, the occasion deserves a celebration! And what better day it is to celebrate the essence of a mother’s love than Mother’s Day itself?

Mother’s Day Special Sale For Your Furry Friend:

With just a couple of more days to go for Mother’s Day 2021, we are sure there’s definitely a party on your mind. And to add to it, we are here with a flat 15% off on every pet product listed on the website! Just use this coupon at the checkout and tada – money saved!!  Surely a double bonanza for you, right?

This isn’t it! We have listed here simple ideas to make Mother’s Day memorable for your pet. Have a look at them:

Arrange a pet picnic

Whether you have just become a pet parent or are already one for a long time, bonding and spending quality time with your dog are essential elements. Although there are several ways to do so, picnics is actually one of the best solutions for bonding, especially for dogs. It is also a good option for them to get fresh air and exercise at the same time. This is because they are at their highest energy level when they first leave the house. Also, a little playtime with you and your family members can be exciting for your four-legged friend. Take along some pet toys too! But, make sure to inspect your dog’s skin, ears, and under its legs for ticks after you return from the picnic.

Provide help to another pet in need

The simplest and most effective way of celebrating Mother’s Day is by making a donation to a pet charity or taking a trip to the local pet shelter. Don’t you think it is a great way to celebrate while supporting other dogs that aren’t as fortunate as yours? Flat 15% off on pet healthcare products can be a blessing if you want to donate pet health supplies for them. Such a donation is extremely tangible and useful. Honestly, helping another pet feel loved and cared for as it waits for its forever home is sometimes more than enough.

Create a safe environment

Your pet dog will feel like a safe haven if you make a house-of-box for them. Make it easy for your dog to eat and drink by ensuring food and water is available nearby, always. It is also very important to have a hygienic and safe environment for dogs. In order to do so, change their bedding often and do a routine skin checkup to avoid persistent skin conditions. This way, your pet will be protected from germs. It will be for the best if you can shop for a dog’s toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash for proper pet hygiene.

Walk down a memory lane

Pet pictures are a way where we get to view dog’s most amusing expressions. Make a habit of keeping unique portraits of your pet. On a special occasion like Mother’s Day, you can revisit the adorable and clumsy pictures you captured. You can also celebrate some favorite memories with your pet. On the eve of Mother’s Day, look back at those pictures and videos together, remembering how much your life has changed because of your furry friend.

To be fair, dogs just want the attention of their owners. So, your mere attention will do the trick. Trust us! Staying home on Mother’s Day will be enough for your beloved furry friend! We’re sure these ideas would have enlightened your pet’s mood and it will love every minute. The 15% discount at DiscountPetCare is our token of love for you to celebrate the joyous Mother’s Day with your pet!

Most Common Dog Behavior Problems and How To Fix Them

Have you ever experienced that your dog is barking continuously without any reason? Or that he is chewing up on your expensive furniture? Or, he is trying to bite everyone?  Sometimes, dogs may exhibit such misbehaviors that may let you down in front of your friends or neighbors. But this doesn’t mean they are terrible dogs. It’s just that they haven’t been taught how to behave in a specific situation.

Fortunately, you can fix this image of your dog by teaching them the correct behavior.  It sure is a time-consuming process that may demand a lot of patience, but it isn’t that difficult either.

Here are some common dog behavior problems and their solutions:

Biting:

Play biting is a very common behavior in puppies, and even you may enjoy this nibbling while your dog is young. However, this behavior won’t be endearing when your pup grows up and the bite force would be painful and destructive. Furthermore, it is important to figure out why your dog is biting before you can effectively stop it. It may be because of boredom, anxiety, or curiosity.

How to fix this behavior?

There are various ways, like bite inhibition, to curb your dog’s mouthy behavior. You can teach him that this behavior is not acceptable by giving a high-pitched yelp or letting your hand go numb when he bites too hard. Also, say “stop biting” in a strict voice. Most importantly, praise your dog when he stops. Your dog will soon learn to stop biting upon training him regularly like this.

Chewing:

Chewing is quite a natural behavior in dogs, but you may end up in trouble when your dog is chewing on the wrong things like your furniture or data cable. However, you need to understand that your dogs don’t have hands to pick up things, so generally, they do it with their mouths, which may encourage them to bite that thing.

How to fix this behavior?

Provide your dog with plenty of chew toys to keep them from chewing on the wrong things. You can also keep them in a crate while you are not around so that they don’t chew on the wrong things. Teach them to understand the command “leave” when they pick up the wrong things by positive reinforcement training.

Barking:

Barking is one of the forms of communication for dogs. However, dogs may also bark out of excitement, aggression, curiosity, anxiety, frustration, attention-seeking, and territory invasion. Therefore, in order to fix your dog’s excessive barking, it is important to find out the real reason behind it.

How to fix this behavior?

Teach your dog to learn “quiet command”, when he is excited or is barking when someone passes by. Do not shout, just say the command calmly. If your dog remains quiet, give him treats. If this does not work after repetitive attempts, try to teach him associative learning by making a noise with keys when it barks. Your dog will stop barking if the noise startles him. And, if your dog barks at people or other dogs during walks, try to distract him by giving him small pieces of treats like cheese or chicken.

Humping:

Humping, mounting, and masturbation are normal behaviors in both male and female dogs. They mount and hump against people or objects like pillows or toys, and sometimes, they lick themselves. However, this behavior is more common in puppies. As puppies attain sexual maturity, they start to mount other dogs instead of objects. However, most dogs continue to masturbate thereafter too, as they have learned that the behavior feels good.

How to fix it?

Dog parents need to understand that it is normal for dogs to hump and mount. If your dog mounts less frequently, it isn’t necessary to stop this behavior if it isn’t really bothering you.  If it bothers you, try to distract your dog before it starts masturbating by giving him a chew or toy. Sometimes, it is essential to stop them even if it doesn’t bother you because if your dog mounts other dogs, he may get you in trouble. Not all dogs like to be humped and they might take it in an offensive way and start fighting.

Whining:

Like barking, whining is also a common way of communication among dogs. There are different reasons why dogs whine like to seek attention or due to anxiety. Sometimes, dogs also whine as a result of pain or painful situations or on separating from their loved ones. If you notice your dog vocalizing, it is important to find out the reason behind it.

How to fix it?

If your dog is whining to seek attention, do not pay any attention to them. They need to be taught that remaining quiet is a better strategy for gaining attention. If the reason behind their whining is anxiety, avoiding stress-inducing situations may help. If such situations are unavoidable, use anti-anxiety collars or treatments for your dog.

When it’s about behavior problems, it’s important to understand that dogs do not understand that some of their actions are causing you trouble. And therefore, you need to train them to teach the right behavior. It may take time as learning is a gradual process, but don’t forget that dogs are highly intelligent beings. You may also contact your vet for more apt advice on dog training or other dog owners to know about how they fixed certain behavior issues in their dog.