pet care – Suds in the sun

Pet Allergies

sudsinthesustg on June 8, 2018

If you’ve been sneezing more often than not lately, then Happy Allergy Season. You may have also noticed that your pet is a bit more itchy than normal, too. That’s right, pets experience allergies in many of the same ways that we do. The only difference? They can’t tell you their symptoms. You just have to monitor them closely and try to understand what you can do to help them. If you notice your dog or cat acting differently this time of year, then learn to recognize the signs of allergies and how to try and treat them.

FLEA ALLERGIES

A dog or cat with a flea allergy can be affected by just one bite. Typical symptoms of the allergy are intense itching or scratching for days or even up to a week, resulting in rashes, loss of patches of fur, and even scabbing and bleeding. Remember that your pet doesn’t understand cause and effect like you do, so they can’t “just stop scratching” when they begin to bleed from itching too much; to them, they’re making it better. Talk to your vet about an antihistamine or a medicated shampoo to help soothe the itching. Consider inquiring about a new flea medication that might work better for your pet’s needs.

FOOD ALLERGIES

Pets can have food allergies just like people can. Beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb and soy are the most common food allergens in dogs, while common culprits in cats include beef, dairy and fish. Your pet could suffer from gastrointestinal or dermatological problems because of a food allergy. Because traditional blood testing is unreliable, you’ll need to try process of elimination with your pet. Eliminate the food and then reintroduce each one slowly, determining which one affects your pet negatively. Once you’ve figured it out, completely eliminate any foods which contain those ingredients from your pet’s diet.

ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES

Common irritants for your pets include dust mites, mold, mildew, and pollens from grass, trees and weeds. Pollens cause seasonal allergies, while other environmental allergens are problematic year-round. For these types of allergies, similar to you, your pet will need a reliable antihistamine they can take whenever their allergies flare up. It also helps to avoid exposure to whatever they’re allergic to. If your cat is allergic to dust or pollen, then keep your house as clean as you’re able, and try to keep them inside when trees or flowers are in bloom. Your cat may not be happy about it, but their immune system and sinuses will thank you for it in the long run.

Your Special Needs Dog

sudsinthesustg on June 1, 2018

There are certain dogs, just like humans, who need extra care. When you decide to adopt a dog with special needs, it’s important to understand exactly what those needs will be, and what steps you need to take to be able to care for them. Your dog will need extra time, effort, and could possibly need more financial support. Before you make your decision, make sure you understand your dog and take these extra steps in his care.

Go to the vet regularly. Your dog needs special care, and your vet is an amazing resource for this care. If your dog requires equipment, then your dog’s doctor can get you in touch with the right avenues. They can also help you administer the right medications on a daily basis if your dog has those needs.

Make sure your home is ready for your special needs dog. Take a walk through your home to check for any obstacles for your dog. If your dog is blind or needs assistance moving around, it’s a good idea to block any dangerous stairwells where they could fall or get stuck. It’s also important to make sure you don’t rearrange your home; make sure the space remains as familiar as possible for Fido so that he stays safe and happy in your home.

Check your dog daily for injuries or other sores. Particularly if your dog is paralyzed, he may not be able to feel if he is injured. Check him at least once a day for any injuries or sores that could easily become infected or cause other problems for your dog. If you do discover anything, take him to the vet as soon as you’re able to get it taken care of.

Assist your dog when needed. A special needs dog will need guidance. He may become stuck in corners because of an injury, blindness, or the equipment he uses to get around. This also includes helping him find his food, and also helping him move around yourself if he has mobility issues. Look into adaptive devices if this is the case.

Don’t change your dog’s surroundings. Special needs dogs need consistency. This is especially important when it comes to his surroundings. A blind dog or a dog who needs assistive equipment moving around needs a home that doesn’t change. He needs a familiar walkway so he can play in his home without the fear of becoming trapped or even lost.

Use diapers when necessary. Especially as dogs age, they unfortunately can become ill and their needs become more prominent. If Fido is losing control of his bladder, consider buying dog-friendly diapers to assist him while you’re not home. If you’re able, try going home during lunch breaks and ask your boss if you can bring your dog to work on days when you don’t have clients visiting. This will relieve a lot of stress, and your dog will enjoy being with you.

Give your dog as normal a life as possible. Just as with people, dogs don’t enjoy being treated differently than other dogs. They want to play, go on walks, and travel with you. Exercise him, bring him on vacations when you can, and make sure to play. Your special needs dog will bring excitement, happiness, and love to your life.

Tips to Help Extend the Life of Your Pet Dogs and Cats

sudsinthesustg on March 22, 2018

For anyone who has ever had dogs or cats, the same wish has likely crossed their mind regarding how to extend the life of their beloved pet. Here are a few tips to ensure a long, healthy life for your pet.

High quality food

Like humans, dogs and cats that are fed a high quality diet have shiny coats, healthy skin, and bright eyes. A high quality diet can also help to strengthen your pet’s immune system, help them to maintain healthy intestines, help to keep them full of energy, support healthy muscles, and much more.

Keep your pet at a moderate weight

Pets that are overweight are at risk of being challenged with a vast number of health issues. Obesity is the number one nutritional disease that is currently seen in dogs and cats and is known to possibly shorten a pet’s life by as much as two years. Pets who are obese are at risk for joint disease, heart disease, diabetes, and a number of other issues

Ensure regular veterinary care

Dogs and cats both require regular veterinary care, which extends beyond routine vaccinations. A routine examination by a veterinarian can reveal health issues that you may have not yet noticed. In many cases, an early diagnosis can dramatically improve chances of treatment that is beneficial and ultimately successful. Early detection can also be less costly.

Oral Health

Oral health issues among dogs and cats can be painful for your pet and even make it difficult for them to eat. If any oral health issue is left untreated it may even lead to heart and kidney issues. It is important to take your pet for regular dental examinations and brush their teeth regularly. If your pet does not allow for you to easily brush their teeth at home, there are other options, such as diets, treats and toys that support oral health. An experienced veterinarian should be able to make suggestions.

Keep careful watch over your pet

Permitting pets to roam freely, without supervision or your protection, can put them at risk for dangerous situations, such as exposures to diseases, exposure to poisonous items, getting injured by a car or another animal, and more.

For anyone who has a pet, they are a family member and should be cared for as such to ensure they live lives that are as healthy, happy and long as possible.

Tips to Select the Perfect Groomer for Your Beloved Pet

sudsinthesustg on March 8, 2018

Just like you would not typically open a phone book and randomly select a salon to trust in cutting your hair, you should do some research to ensure you select a great groomer for your beloved pet.

Finding the right groomer may take some time and effort, but in the long run it could ensure safety for your pet and stress prevention for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting the perfect groomer:

Talk to the groomers to make sure they are properly educated with regard to your animal’s grooming needs. A professional groomer should be able to easily respond to questions regarding when an animal’s nails should be trimmed and give information regarding typical shedding habits. If they cannot answer these questions, it is best to move on to another groomer. Make sure you go into the conversation with knowledge to test them and also be aware of any legal certifications they should have in order to be working as a groomer and ask if they have fulfilled the requirements.

Ask how long they have been in business and look them up online to see if you can find any company reviews.

Asking for a tour of the grooming facility is also a good way to know if this is a place you would like to trust in the care of your pet. Play close attention to whether it is chaotic and messy or organized and clean.

If your pet gets nervous when they are being groomed, you should ask the groomer how they plan to handle this.

Other things to ask and look into include:

Pricing
Types of products they use as gentle and natural are preferable

If you decide to test a place out, watch for your pet’s reactions after getting groomed. See if they are over-stressed or calm. Taking cues from your pet as well as trusting your gut are both extremely important in ensuring you make the right decision.

Pet Allergies

Your Special Needs Dog

Tips to Help Extend the Life of Your Pet Dogs and Cats

Tips to Select the Perfect Groomer for Your Beloved Pet

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