What Food Can and Cannot Be Eaten By Dogs | Pet Food | Dog Care | DiscountPetCare

Here is the list of what food can and cannot be eaten by dogs. However, as a responsible pet parent, you must do research and prepare nutritious, healthy meals for your furry family member. 

True Story of Balto – A Dog Who Saved Human Lives

When we say that dogs make our life better, we truly mean it. Dogs bring an abundance of joy into our lives with their adorable and quirky personalities. You often look at the dog as a pet and companion. However, have you ever thought that a dog could save human lives too? Sounds unbelievable, right? Well, when you hear about the story of Balto, who lead the team during the harsh winters of Alaska just to save numerous human lives. Today, we are sharing the heart touching story of Balto, which will restore your faith in animals and their dedication.

Balto – A True Hero

It started in early January of the year 1925 when the doctors and researchers started to see manifestations of a fatal infection, diphtheria. Thankfully, there existed a lifesaving serum, which was 500 miles away. Amidst the harsh winters of Alaska where temperatures easily drop down to 50, it was almost impossible to make a journey. Due to that, planes weren’t able to fly to the destination, and the only way was to get the serum through a 650-mile freight route. So, the experts chose to get the medicine via various dog sled teams.

The serum was to be transported from Anchorage to Nenana by train, where the first musher commenced to deliver the serum to Nome. In this journey, there were more than 20 mushers, who were determined in their goal and faced many challenges including a blizzard with -31 celsius temperature along with strong winds.

On February 2, 1925, the Norwegian Gunnar Kaasen drove his team, which was led by none other than Balto. Although the most dangerous stretch was covered by a dog team led by Togo, Balto proved himself despite facing many challenges along the way. He also saved his team in the Topkok River and stayed on the trail even during a complete whiteout situation. Kaasen has also mentioned that he wasn’t able to see his hand properly, and yet Balto stayed right on track through the dark path. When they arrived in Nome, everyone was congratulating Kaasen for successfully bringing the serum, but he insisted that Balto was equally responsible for this success.

Soon after the mission ended, Balto and Kaasen became the talk of the town. Everyone wanted to meet the dog who was a part of this mission that saved so many lives. In fact, Frederick Roth sculpted a statue of Balto, which stands in New York City’s Central Park which is still visited by many students and tourists.

Balto died in the year 1933 at the age of 14, and even to this day, people remember him for his unwavering courage and determination. 

Stories like these show us how valuable these animals are to the human race. We often believe that as humans, we are capable of everything, but that’s not entirely true. Every life has a meaning, and even a dog’s life is as important as humans are. If it wasn’t for Balto, the mission wouldn’t have been completed in that time frame. Therefore, as humans, we should always appreciate and look after animals and birds as we all are codependent on each other.

Advocate For Dog- A Panacea For Major Parasitic Infections

A dog’s health is often marred by his enemies in the form of fleas, ticks, worms, heartworms, etc. If fleas bring discomfort to his healthy life, then a disease like heartworm poses a threat to his existence. And, not to mention the period of stress a pet parent undergoes because of his pet’s suffering is unexplainable.

Parasitic infestation in dogs, internal or external is a big cause of worry for the pet parents out there. They do aware of the fact that it will not take much time to aggravate a particular health disorder in the pet, if not treated on time. The instances of pets bitten by flea parasites, and then having serious skin disorders, in the form of Flea Allergy Dermatitis adds weight to this notion.

Similarly, protecting your pet against all kind of worms becomes mandatory, due to the level of threat a worm in the heart or in intestine of a pet carries. There are ways to protect your pet not only from flea menace and heartworm infection but also from major parasitic infestations.

A major dilemma, which a pet owner faces when he seeks to buy products for his pet is the plethora of pet care products offered to him for his pet care. The lack of objectivity, on part of these products, makes the situation more complex and confusing for a pet parent. A product like Advocate, which is effective in eliminating all major parasites – fleas, heartworms, etc. thus, comes in the picture.

Advocate- Specifications

A spot-on monthly treatment, manufactured by Bayer, Advocate protects your dog against fleas, lice, ear mites, gastrointestinal worms, heartworms, etc. Its unique action formula provides fast relief to a pet, infested by fleas and lice. With single application, it kills fleas present on a pet’s body in a very short span of time. It also prevents further flea infestation, protecting your pet for complete one month from fleas.

The presence of active ingredients like Imidacloprid and Moxidectin makes it an all-rounder in protecting a dog from internal and external parasitic threats. Putting your dog under the monthly protection of Advocate would ensure his safety from heartworm and other gastrointestinal worms including roundworm, whipworm and hookworm.

Do measure your dog’s weight to buy the right Advocate pack for your pooch. Consult your vet for any other queries related to the product.

As a pet parent, your area of concern should not be limited just to getting the right flea or heartworm treatment. Observe your pet’s dwellings, habits, and check the development of fleas taking place in your home environment. Make it a routine affair to clean your house- indoor and outdoor once a week. Do not forget your pet’s heartworm medications and put your pet under regular vet consultation.

Is Your Dog Peeing Inside The Home? Here’s How You Can Prevent It!

Well, if your furry pal keeps peeing inside the house, there might be a problem. Despite training him to pee outside or at a given spot, if he still has this ‘pee’ problem, pet parents need to take some actions. Usually, this issue can be resolved by re-training your dog. However, if your dog still doesn’t comply and pees inside the house, there might be some underlying health condition related to it. Below are the causes for this kind of behavior.

• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary tract issues
• Behavioural issues
• Aging

These are the main reasons for such changes in peeing habits of a dog. In case of urinary tract issue, a vet can recommend some home care technique which can benefit pet parents. Moreover, when it comes to urinary incontinence and behavioural problems, there are many products available for it. If your dog pees on the spot because he gets anxious very quickly, you can opt for Adaptil Calm Home Diffuser. This product will ease him into a comfortable state and prevent such accidents in the future.

In case of aging dogs, you can prevent such occurrence with the help of diet modification and supplements. So, consult the vet for the same to inculcate this lifestyle from early on.

We know you want to help your furry pal, so we have listed down some important points on how to stop your dog from urinating in the house.

1. Increase pee and potty breaks – When the dog pees frequently, the best practice is to take him out for potty break right after he eats or drinks anything in large amount. This will send a signal that he is supposed to go out whenever he wants to do his business.
2. Re-train the dog – When there are no other health problems, all you need to do is train your dog again so that he gets the message loud and clear.
3. Identify the triggers– There are chances that your dog is bothered by something that makes him pee inside the house. So, find out what is triggering your dog to pee on the spot and teach him how to be okay with it. If you can get rid of it, that could be very helpful to the dog. If not, just make your dog understand that it’s not a big deal.
4. Don’t be aggressive – Well, dogs are precious creatures with so much love and empathy. So, you certainly don’t want to yell and scare off your furry baby. This can leave a bad impact on their mental health and can affect their behaviour as well.
5. Clean up the surface – The key to stopping the recurrence of this incidence is to clean up properly. Dogs like to mark their territory so it’s possible that your doggo might be coming back to pee on the same place because he can detect the smell. Moreover, you can also use Urine Off, which is an excellent spray for getting rid of urine stain and odour.

By following these simple steps, you never have to worry about your dog’s pee problem again!

Ways To Naturally Prevent Fleas On Dogs | DiscountPetCare

Try these natural ways to prevent fleas on dogs. We have put together a list of natural home remedies here, many of which you can make from the ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Effective Ways Of Getting Rid Of Fleas

Fleas are very annoying creatures. Their main aim is to feed on cats and make their life miserable. Flea infestation can cause itching and restlessness in your cat. This can cause problems for both you and your cat as fleas are not that easy to get rid of. The first and foremost step is to see why your cat is scratching herself. Maybe your cat is getting restless because of some other reasons like anxiety or allergy. If you find no major signs of infestation, then you don’t need to worry about it. But if you are suspicious of flea infestation, continue reading this article to find out signs and treatments for flea infestation.

The popular hotspots of fleas are back of the neck, ear, and groin of your pet. So, if you want to check for flea signs, always look in those areas. If your cat is infested, you’ll see little parasites jumping or crawling on your cat. Below are the main signs that you need to look out for.

Main Signs of Flea Infestation in Cats:

• Restlessness
• Little brown spots on fur
• Constant scratching
• Flea dirt when you rub their fur

Flea dirt is something that falls off when you rub cat’s fur. That is actually an excretion of adult fleas. The best way to identify it is to put a few drops of water on those little black particles and if the water turns red, then your cat most probably has fleas.

If you have established that your cat is infested, the next step should be to tackle this situation with caution. Remember, fleas can be harmful to you too. So, always take safety measures when dealing with such situation.

Here’s what You Should Do To Minimize The Damage –

• Try to remove as many fleas as you can with the help of flea comb.
• Bathe your cat properly. There are many flea shampoos available which you can use.
• Apply spot-on treatment or administer oral tablet. This will speed up the process of killing remaining fleas.
• Vacuum the areas that are accessed by your cat. So, if there are any fleas or flea eggs on the surface, they can be removed.
• Wash any clothes or fabrics in hot water that you think might have been infested.

Flea Infestation Treatments

Year round flea treatment is necessary for cats. Your house is never totally free from fleas, so if you keep using the preventives, your cat won’t be at the risk of getting infested. Mainly there are two treatments available for flea infestation: spot on and oral treatment. Advantage is an effective spot-on treatment for cats. It is to be applied monthly and will get rid of all the fleas. If you prefer oral treatment, Capstar is a fast-acting tablet that will kill most of the fleas within 30 minutes of administration. These year round preventives will protect your cat from any kind of infestation and prevent re-infestation.

It’s always shocking to find out that your cat has been infested by fleas, especially when you keep your house clean all the time. The fleas that you can be spotted are adult fleas. The infestation occurs on a very large scale and the population of adult fleas is very less compared to the eggs and larvae that are scattered around in your house. So, always be on a look-out for those little creatures.

Getting rid of fleas will take some time, but once you start the treatment and take proper care of your cat, there will be lesser risk of infestation. Always keep a watchful eye for re-infestation so your pet doesn’t have to go through this again. We always want our pets to be happy and these small steps will go a long way in protecting your furry companion.

Pet Nutrition Is Important for Healthy Skin and Coat

There are numerous pet food companies that promote their brand of cat or dog food for a healthy coat, but how do you know which one will provide the best nutrients for your pet? You want to provide your dog or cat food that will help them thrive as a responsible pet parent. Looking for a few important features on a pet food label may help you determine whether the meal you choose promises a specific benefit, but choosing a dog or cat food for a healthy coat isn’t the only approach to ensure your pet’s skin and coat are in good condition. Learn how nutrition, environmental variables, and grooming may all contribute to your pet’s appearance and well-being.

Do you want to find the perfect food?

Maybe your dog or cat already has sensitive or itchy skin, or maybe you want to switch to a meal that promotes overall excellent health, including skin and fur. Whatever the rationale, avoid focusing on just one or two important ingredients or needs. For a healthy coat, some pet parents search for high-fat content in cat or dog food. Although nutrients such as fish oil are commonly used in promoting cat food for a healthy coat, your furry pet still requires a balanced balance of vitamins, minerals, protein, and carbohydrates. The truth is that most cats and dogs are already protected from skin and coat issues by eating a well-balanced diet. Beauty truly begins on the inside.

If you make it a habit to read the ingredient and nutrient profiles on your pet’s food bag or can, these are some of the more prevalent nutrients that support healthy skin and coats in pets:

Omega-3: This nutrient, which is commonly found in components such as fish oil, has an anti-inflammatory impact and can help soothe itchy or inflamed skin. This component is commonly seen in pet diets designed for allergy-prone dogs.

Omega-6: This nutrient is a fatty acid that helps your pet’s coat shine and replaces important oils in their skin.

Biotin: It is a B-complex vitamin that aids in the formation of healthy tissues.

Copper: This nutrient aids in the maintenance of hair color and keeps the coat silky and lustrous.

Vitamin E: It is a natural antioxidant that helps protect your pet’s skin from free radicals that can damage skin cells.

However, if you’ve been feeding your pet high-quality food with a balanced nutrient profile and you’re still noticing dry skin, dandruff flakes, or dull-looking fur, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Your pet’s food or components may need to be changed. Remember, never make any modifications without first consulting with your veterinarian.

The first thing to look for in a pet food to encourage healthy skin and coat is one manufactured with high-quality ingredients and that provides comprehensive balanced nutrition. This alone can contribute to a more luscious, luster-filled coat. If your pet is scratching excessively or has recurrent skin problems, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to discuss the next steps. They can assist in determining the source of the itch and recommending a meal made for sensitive skin or even a therapeutic food specially formulated to encourage healthier skin and coats.

What Is the Appearance of a Healthy Coat?

What indicators of a healthy coat should you look for? To begin, you need to become acquainted with your pet’s distinct qualities. For both cats and dogs, perform a daily head-to-paws check and brush your pet at least once a week. Brushing dogs more frequently (even daily) helps disperse natural oils throughout the coat and untangle mats. Cats (and your carpet) benefit from fewer hairballs and more snuggle time when they are groomed.

Cats are avid self-groomers, so an unruly coat could indicate that your kitten isn’t feeling well. Arthritis may prohibit your cat from combing some areas, and a dull, greasy, or matted hair may indicate health issues or a lack of key nutrients. A worried cat may also over-groom, yanking away tufts of her own fur.

Because your dog does not bathe as frequently, he or she may require a bit extra assistance to look well-groomed. What is usual for one breed may not be normal for another; a husky may require daily brushing, but your dachshund may be pleased with a fast bath. Dogs with thinner, lighter-colored skin, such as pit bull mixes, are more prone to skin irritations such as sunburn, bug bites, and seasonal allergies. If you have a lovable mutt, reviewing some short and long hair care standards might help you set a baseline.

Keep an eye out for the following when brushing your cat or dog:

• Bald patches or clumps of fur going out
• Skin that is dry, red, or irritating
• Sores or rough patches
• Greasiness
• Ticks or flea eggs in the form of little black or white flecks

If none of these items develop, your pet’s coat is most likely healthy. However, if you see any of these symptoms, it’s important to dig deeper to find out what’s causing your pet’s coat problems.

Is it still a mystery? Consult with Your Vet

If you observe your cat scratching their ears or your dog licking themselves continuously, it’s probable that something in their environment is causing the irritation. Fleas and ticks, as well as seasonal allergies and food intolerance, are major causes of itching pets. As soon as the itching begins, make a list of any new cleaning products, air fresheners, colognes, or soaps that have been introduced into your home and may be bothering your pet.

Your veterinarian will be able to assess the state of your pet’s coat and skin to determine whether additional testing is required. Skin problems caused by an infection or fungus may necessitate the use of drugs and/or specific shampoos.

Further Reading

If your veterinarian has ruled out all other possibilities, they may advise you to go over the ingredients in your pet’s current and previous foods. They may advise you to provide a particular diet to your pet to see if he or she has a food allergy, or to supplement your pet’s nutrition with a deficient vitamin, antioxidant, or fatty acid. As nutrition is essential for skin and coat health, it’s important to keep your dog or cat on any special diets your vet suggests. Even if the disease improves, do not resume eating other foods without first consulting with your veterinarian. Don’t waste months or years looking for the best dog food for a healthy coat; instead, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible and on a regular basis to address any skin and coat issues. You are the beginning of your pet’s healthy future, both inside and out. You can keep your dog or cat’s coat and skin healthy and vibrant for years with correct feeding, grooming, and frequent vet checkups.