[Hazard] Kissing Your Dog or Cat

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

Pet Kissing Hazards?...

There has been much written of the hazards of having a pet lick you with their tongue.

In one articel I read, a few "experts" talked about some serious diseases... then they made the assertion that these diseases can be avoided by staying away from wet kisses.

Dr. X talked about ALL of the bacteria in dog's mouths – but in fact we humans have an even greater quantity of disease causing bacteria... huh?... perhaps, people should stop kissing?

Dr. Y talked about two diseases that can cause diarrhea – Campylobacter and Salmonella.

But here is what the Center for Disease Controls says about contracting Campylobacter:

How do people get infected with this germ?

Campylobacteriosis usually occurs in single, sporadic cases, but it can also occur in outbreaks, when a number of people become ill at one time. Most cases of campylobacteriosis are associated with eating raw or undercooked poultry meat or from cross-contamination of other foods by these items.
Infants may get the infection by contact with poultry packages in shopping carts. Outbreaks of Campylobacter are usually associated with unpasteurized milk or contaminated water.

As you can see... NOT from dogs and cats.

But what about Salmonella?

Here is what is on the CDC website:

How do people catch Salmonella?

Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds. Salmonella are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces.

Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal. Contaminated foods are often of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk, or eggs, but any food, including vegetables, may become contaminated. Thorough cooking kills Salmonella. Food may also become contaminated by the hands of an infected food handler who did not wash hands with soap after using the bathroom.

Once again... NOT from dogs and cats.

Can you get sick by contracting something from your pet?

Yes, but VERY UNLIKELY.

As stated by in the CDC Web site about theses diseases – the primary way that you contract them is through CONTAMINATED and UNDERCOOKED meat – usually poultry.

If you're really worried – well, become a vegetarian.

My point of this newsletter is two-fold:

1. Because it's in a glossy magazine and has PhD behind it STILL does NOT mean that it is a TRUE story.
   
   QUESTION the conventional beliefs that you hear and read.
   
   Do some of your own research.
   
   Clearly, the magazine article I read was NOT well researched... the writer started with the premise that it is NOT safe to have your pets lick you, then went out to "prove" it.
   
   Of course, a few seconds of research proves otherwise.
   
2. The BENEFITS of having a dog or cat "kiss" clearly outweigh ANY risk...
   
   When I get woken up in the morning with a big wet kiss from Lewis... well, I start my day in a GREAT frame of mind!

Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones, DVM

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Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

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Tick Season is Here!

It's tick season again... Take steps now to protect your pets! –Kim

Exposure to Ehrlichia Ticks Increased Fourfold in 2012

• According to a manufacturer of tests for tick-borne diseases, Ehrlichia exposures in 2012 were four times greater than in 2011. This means the tick that transmits the disease is gaining territory across the U.S.
• The recommendation of the Companion Animal Parasite Council is to load up every dog and cat across the country with monthly, year-round chemical pesticides. The problem is, more and more pets taking monthly, year-in/year-out preventives are showing up in veterinary clinics with tick-borne illness. Clearly, encouraging the overuse of these chemicals isn't the best solution to the problem, for a number of reasons.
• Chemical tick preventives may reduce – but not prevent – tick attachment. And any tick that attaches to your dog can carry disease. So theses pesticides are not foolproof, but they do add to your pet's toxic load.
• The safest and most effective tick prevention strategy is to check your pet's body daily for ticks, remove them immediately and safely when found, and have his blood checked regularly for signs of infection.

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By Dr. Becker
January 18, 2013
 
Last year, toward the end of flea/tick season, IDEXX Laboratories (maker of the SNAP 4Dx test for tick-borne diseases) issued a press release to report there were four times as many Ehrlichia exposures in 2012 vs. 2011 in the south central and eastern regions of the U.S. (Ehrlichia is one of several tick-borne diseases.)

And of course the veterinary community is now being prompted by the Companion Animal Parasite Council – which boasts as sponsors no less than 11 veterinary drug manufacturers and laboratories – to respond in the usual way. From dvm360:

In order to keep that [the spreading Ehrlichia exposure] threat to a minimum, [Dr. Susan] Little suggests that veterinarians follow the Companion Animal Parasite Council's recommendations and urge clients to practice year-round tick control and prevention. "We need to be more adamant with clients about year-round tick control for dogs and cats," Little says. "Tick control protects dogs and cats from tick-borne diseases – the ones we know about and the ones we're still finding out about."

Translation: Veterinarians should increase the pressure on pet owners to give tick preventives year-round, and not only to dogs, but also to cats. It doesn't matter where the pet lives, his lifestyle, or whether he even goes outdoors – just load him up with chemical pesticides and all will be well.
Before you subject your own pet to year-round chemical preventives that may not be necessary or terribly effective, but WILL add significantly to your dog's toxic load, you should read on.

Why Tick-borne Diseases are on the Rise

As I discussed last July in an article about my own dogs and tick-borne illness, there are several reasons for the increase in tick-related diseases across the U.S.

As we are discovering, ticks are hardy little suckers able to expand their geography from one region of the country to others.

In addition, in my opinion we've overused progressively more toxic tick control agents for several decades, with the result that ticks have developed resistance to pesticides. I see dogs in my practice that have received monthly doses of pesticides for years, yet they still test positive for tick-borne illness.

This is because while chemical preventives may reduce the number of ticks that wind up on your dog, those that do attach can still carry disease. So the pesticides being given at ever-increasing rates to our pets are not completely effective at preventing ticks from attaching or preventing disease.

Another reason tick-borne diseases are on the rise is that insects other than ticks – specifically mosquitoes – have been found to transmit some of these potentially lethal infections.

Human management of wildlife populations, as well as a shift in wildlife population dynamics may also play into rising tick-borne diseases.

Diagnosing Ehrlichiosis

Canine ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by two bacteria. Ehrlichia canis is transmitted by the brown dog tick and is commonly found in the southwest and Gulf Coast states. Ehrlichia ewingii is transmitted by the lone star tick and is found from the Midwest to New England.

Like other tick-borne diseases, Ehrlichia can wreak havoc on your dog's body if it's not identified and treated. Symptoms can be vague – loss of appetite, low-grade fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes there are more noticeable symptoms such as unexplained bruising, lameness or nosebleeds.

A diagnosis can be confirmed with a blood test called a PCR. If your dog tests positive on the SNAP 4Dx screening test for Ehrlichia, you can request a PCR test to confirm infection.

Keep in mind that just because a dog tests positive on the initial screening test doesn't mean she must immediately be treated. In fact, most dogs successfully clear their own infections without the need for medical intervention. For this reason, I don't recommend automatically giving antibiotics to positive dogs.

If your pet tests positive, ask your vet to do additional testing to find out whether she has just been exposed or is actually dealing with an infection.

Tips for Preventing a Tick-borne Infection

• When flea and tick season arrives, check for ticks daily, and don't overlook areas of your pet's body where ticks can hide, like between the toes, the underside of the toes, in the earflaps and around the tail base. If you're ever unsure whether you're looking at a tick or some other bump on your dog, get out a magnifying glass and look for the telltale sign of a tick – legs.
• Remember that ticks must be attached to your dog for at least 24 hours in order for the disease-causing bacteria to be transmitted from the tick to your pet. That's why daily tick checks and removing ticks immediately is a huge part of reducing your dog's risk of acquiring a tick-borne disease. This is hands-down the safest and entirely non-toxic method of tick prevention!
• If you find a tick on your dog, be sure to remove it correctly. Don't use your bare hands. People can become infected by handling or crushing an infected tick. Wear gloves, or even better, use a tick-removing tool.
• Grasp the tick very close to your pet's skin with our Tick Stick, a similar tick removal tool, or a pair of tweezers. Carefully pull the tick's body away from the skin. Once it's off, flush it down the toilet. Then disinfect your dog's skin with soapy water or diluted povidone iodine (Betadine). Disinfect the area really well and monitor it for the next few days. If you notice any irritation or inflammation of the skin, you should contact your veterinarian.
• Have your dog tested for tick-borne diseases about three to four weeks after removing a tick. The type of test to ask your vet for is the SNAP 4Dx test, which is a screening blood test. If you don't have the 4Dx test done, you'll want to watch your dog closely for several months for any signs of loss of appetite, lethargy, changes in gait, fever, intermittent limping – all the symptoms of potential tick-borne diseases.

Checking your dog externally for ticks and having his blood checked regularly for internal, silent infections is the very best approach to keeping your pet safe from potentially devastating tick-borne diseases.

Source: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/01/18/tick-borne-diseases.aspx
© Copyright 1997-2013 Dr. Joseph Mercola

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Also, see:

• Is Your Flea & Tick-Killer Safe... Naturally?
• NATURAL Flea Control and Multi-Tick Remedy
• Remove Ticks from Your Pet

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Pet Owners

Here's a great New Year's article that I thought I would pass on... Happy New Year! –Kim

Top Ten Resolutions for Your Pet

Get organized. Check. Get a better job. Check. Lose weight. Check that one twice. This New Year isn't unlike any other – you've probably made resolutions that you'll struggle to keep after the first week. petMD.com suggests making a real difference in 2012 by forging a pact with your pet. These resolutions will help keep your pet happy, healthy and safe throughout the year. And well, what's more important than that?

1. Pet-proof your home – As you may already know, pets get into anything and everything! Keep poisons and other dangerous items in secure places, preferably in a locked cabinet or in a room that is out of the animal's reach.
2. Get your pet ID'd – Whether it is an ID tag or a microchip or GPS tracking device, identifying your pet and your contact information will help your chances of having your pet returned should it become lost – especially in the case of lost dogs and cats. Just remember to keep the contact information current!
3. Socialize your pet – Don't worry; you don't have to create a Facebook profile for them. But like children, your pet can become destructive and unmanageable when she is not given enough attention or is not allowed to socialize with other animals of her kind. Obedience training is just what your pet needs to learn some manners. And remember, it's never too late to train an animal.
4. Groom your pet – There is nothing worse than a stinky pet. Stay on top of her grooming routine – bathe her, brush her coat, and clip her nails. All these things will make her the envy of your block. And if you haven't noticed yet, your pet is usually happier when she is clean and pretty.
5. Have your pet spayed or neutered – Of course we all know spaying (and neutering) helps decrease the population of strays, but did you know many veterinarians believe it can benefit the animal's health too? Among the health benefits: a decrease in testicular cancer, prostate problems, urine marking and inter-dog (or inter-cat) aggression for males, and a decrease in mammary cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer for females.
6. Use preventives – Why worry about heartworms, fleas and other pesky parasites? Preventives are your pet's best line of defense against parasites and the deadly dog diseases and cat diseases they cause. Also, consult your veterinarian. Year-round use may be needed in warmer regions.
7. Create a maintenance checklist – Maintenance is perhaps the most dreaded of all pet resolutions. Perhaps it's the awful smells or all the cleaning involved. Whatever the reason, developing proper maintenance habits (e.g., emptying the litter box, cleaning the cage, changing the newspaper clippings) will create a clean and pleasant environment for your pet. Also, poor sanitation can lead to behavior and health issues.
8. Customize your pet's diet – Diets should be suited to the animal's age and size. When kept at her ideal body weight, your pet can live a longer, healthier life. She is also at a lower risk of heart disease, joint problems, and various other conditions associated with poor health.
9. Exercise with your pet more – Need an exercise partner? Look no further. Some dogs are satisfied with a walk around the neighborhood once a day, while others require additional exercise time. Take her to a park, to the beach or to your backyard, just make sure you have fun, too! Oh, and don't forget about your other pet(s). Just because she isn't a dog, doesn't mean she doesn't need exercise. (We're looking at you, Kitty!)
10. Don't postpone the annual checkup – Not only will waiting until your pet is ill lead to unnecessary suffering, complications may arise and this will make the animal's course of treatment more expensive. Keep your vet bills in check and visit the white-coated professional regularly.

View slideshow: "Top 10 New Year's Resolutions"

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About petMD: petMD.com is a leading online resource focused solely on the health and well-being of pets. The site maintains the world's largest pet health library, written and approved by a network of trusted veterinarians.

Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petmd-suggests-top-10-new-years-resolutions-for-pet-owners-136374503.html

Ear Infections

Here's an informative article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it helpful! –Kim

Ear Anatomy 101
by Dr. Andrew Jones

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons that pet owners visit their veterinarian. Typically, I would see an increased number of ear infections in the spring.

Now is a good time to review ear anatomy, what causes ear infections, and exact steps you can use to prevent and treat them at home.

The ear consists of the outer portion (the pinna), the 2 sections of the ear canal (the vertical ear canal and horizontal ear canal), the ear drum and the inner ear.

Most ear infections involve the outer ear, meaning the vertical and horizontal ear canals.

SIGNS

Your pet keeps shaking his head and scratching at his ears. Often you will see a foul-smelling black, yellow or brown discharge. The ears may be very red and tender.

CAUSES

Ear mites are infectious parasites primarily found in young cats. They are spread through direct contact from cat to cat. Ear infections are most typical in dogs. Most ear infections are caused by an underlying allergy. Some are caused by water in the ear after bathing or swimming. Dogs with large floppy ears, such as Basset Hounds, are prone to infections as their ear canals have poor air circulation, trapping moisture and allowing bacteria and yeast to grow.

The basis for PREVENTING ear infections is learning how to clean your pet's ears properly.

How to Clean Your Pet's Ears Properly

You will need an ear cleanser, cotton balls, and may need someone to help gently restrain your pet by holding their head while you clean his/her ears.

Apply cleanser to the ear as shown or by soaking a cotton ball and placing it in the ear. Attempt to fill each ear canal until it is overflowing or apply approximately 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of Ear Cleanser. This can be a veterinary cleanser, or a mixture of vinegar and water.

Massage the cleanser into the ear canal by gently massaging the base of the ear where the cartilage turns. Massage for about a minute to dislodge the attached wax. If necessary, occlude the canal with a small amount of cotton during this process to protect against drenching, should your pet shake his/her head. For maximum benefit, allow cleanser to remain in the ear canal for at least 5 minutes before attempting to manually clean.

With a cotton ball over your fingertip, wipe the accessible portion of the ear and ear canal clean (so the debris sticks to the cotton), as shown.

Let your pet shake out any excess cleanser.

Repeat the above steps in the other ear.

Don't insert cotton swabs into the ears! They should only be used in the visible portion of the ear and ear canal.

Treating Ear Infections

When your pet has an ear infection, you need to be doing more than just cleaning it.

STEP 1 - Cleaning

CLEAN THEM. White vinegar (acetic acid) is very effective at removing debris from the ears and killing the yeast and bacteria responsible for ear infections. *If your dog or cat has red, open wounds, do not use this, as it will be painful. You need to use a soothing topical first (i.e., olive oil and Vitamin E).

Dilute the vinegar with water 50:50. Pick up a syringe from your local pharmacy and put 5 ml of the vinegar solution per 20 lbs of body weight into the affected ear. (Your cat would get 2.5 ml or 1/2 tsp). Grab the ear where it attaches to the head (at the ear base), gently squeeze your thumb and forefinger together, rubbing the solution deep into the ear canals. Wipe the inside of the ear well with cotton balls to remove debris coming from the ear canal. Continue to do this daily for 5-7 days. For dogs with recurring infections, this can be done weekly.

HEALING OILS. This is especially helpful if your pet's ears are inflamed and difficult to touch. You can use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil combined with 1 capsule of Vitamin E oil and insert that into your pets ear. Let it soak for 5 minutes, then rub the base of the ear well and wipe out excess debris with a cotton ball.

BURROW'S SOLUTION. This is one that I discuss for use in Hot Spots, but it can also be used for ear infections and ear cleaning. It is a solution of aluminum acetate in water. It is used as an astringent wet dressing to relieve inflammatory conditions of the skin, such as swelling, allergies and bruises. Burrow's solution has antibacterial effects, and will inhibit the growth of bacteria commonly found in ear infections. Apply 5-6 drops in both ears, cleaning twice daily.

STEP 2 - Treating the Infection

LESSEN THE INFLAMMATION. Most ear infections produce red, inflamed ears, so it is important to decrease the inflammation. ALOE or CALENDULA essential oil can be applied topically in the ears twice daily to decrease inflammation.

HERBAL INFUSION. Another oil infusion consists of: OREGON GRAPE, MARSHMALLOW AND GARLIC. Soak the dried herbs overnight in olive oil – this can also be mixed with Vitamin E.

TREAT THE INFECTION. GARLIC, SAGE and THYME have antibacterial and antifungal properties. One treatment is to soak garlic cloves overnight with Calendula oil. Remove the garlic and instill the calendula-garlic mixture twice daily.

HOMEOPATHIC: SILICA. Useful for dogs with recurrent ear infections. Most have excessive debris. The typical dose is 30C twice daily.

Common organisms causing the infections include yeast (suspect this if the debris is brown and has a sweet odor). Yeast often responds well to vinegar.

Less commonly, there is a bacteria called Pseudomonas. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a specific species of bacteria that is resistant to almost every possible antibiotic. This is often found as a cause of chronic, recurring ear infections.

Silvadene/silver sulfadiazine

This is as a wound cream, but it also has activity against Pseudomonas. The cream can be prepared in water for an easier ear administration.

Tris-EDTA

EDTA is a binder of metals that are important to the bacterial cell wall. It is sold in veterinary clinics as TrizEDTA, a 4 ounce container to which 112 ml of distilled water is added. The method of usage is to place the TrizEDTA in the ear. In practice I would combine it with injectable Baytril, and I found it to be effective for Pseudomonas.

STEP 3 - Preventing the Infection From Coming Back

Most recurring ear infections have an underlying cause.

ALLERGY DIET. For dogs that get recurring ear infections, it is important to try a less allergenic diet. It should include a completely different protein with minimal added ingredients. For example, one commercial diet is made of fish and sweet potato.

BIOFLAVONOIDS. These are the wonderful groups of structures found in the pigment of fruits and vegetables. Quercetin has been effective for people with allergies and may be effective in dogs. The dose is 25 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.

FATTY ACIDS. These are a must for any allergy that triggers recurring ear infections: flax oil for dogs (1 tsp per cup of dog food) and fish oil for cats (1 capsule per 10 lbs). I advise therapeutic doses of EFA's at 1000 mg per 10 lbs, daily.

VITAMIN C. This may help your pet, and is worth a try. It suppresses the product released from cells in the body that causes itching (histamine), and is an antioxidant. Start with a low dose of 100 mg twice daily per 10 lbs of body weight.

ANTIOXIDANTS. Vitamin E may help: the dose is 100 IU per 10 lbs of body weight, once daily.

ANTIHISTAMINES. Benadryl is the most commonly used antihistamine. It is given at a dose of 1 mg per pound of body weight, 2-3 times a day. Cats respond well to Chlortripolon at 2 mg, 2-3 times a day. It is best to consult your veterinarian before using these medications. It often takes 14 days of using these to see if they are helping.

Some ear infections simply cannot be controlled with the above steps (although MOST can). In those advanced cases surgery may be your only option. BUT if you are diligent in cleaning, and attempt to prevent the infection in the first place, you can AVOID surgery.

Source: http://www.theonlinevet.com/members/latest_articles/earinfections.php (requires membership)
Copyright © 2011 Four Paws Online Ltd

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Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for almost 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

9 Tips for a Chic, Pet-friendly Home

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

Your Home can be Beautiful and Pet-friendly with these Pointers from Design Experts
By Leanne Potts

A lot of stylish people are letting their houses go to the dogs and the cats and the birds – without sacrificing style or comfort. Instead of banishing their furry friends to the yard, many pet owners are decorating and remodeling their living spaces with their pets' needs in mind, turning pet-friendly decorating into a full-blown trend.

"You can have a beautiful house and a pet, too," says Julia Szabo, pet columnist for the New York Post and author of Animal House Style: Designing a Home to Share with Your Pets.

"The key is choosing the right materials and accommodating your animals' needs." Julia, who shares her digs with a dozen rescued dogs and cats, says an animal-friendly house is more comfortable for humans, too. "If a house doesn't work with dogs, it won't work with children or guests, either."

DO vacuum regularly.

Even if you match your chaise to your Siamese so perfectly the hairballs are barely visible, vacuum kitty's hair off the furniture at least twice a week. You may need to vacuum daily when your pet is shedding.

Pet hair has an odor, and it contains an oil that will attract dirt to the fabric on which it sits. She suggests you invest in a Dyson DC14 Animal, an upright vacuum named for its miraculous ability to suck up animal hair. It costs around $550, but Julia says you'll wonder how you ever lived without it when you see the horrifying amounts of dirt and hair the Dyson picks up from your floors and furniture.

DO bathe and groom your pet often.

Keeping your dog or cat clean will help your house stay cleaner, longer. Trimmed nails won't scratch floors or upholstery. Regularly brushing and bathing removes loose hair before it ends up on your floor, your bed, your throw pillows, your curtains. Furniture and rugs will last longer if they don't need to be washed as often. Think of it this way: It's easier to clean your dog than your upholstery, and it's usually more fun.

DO use stain-resistant fabrics.

Forget silk, chintz or the pet-hair magnet known as velvet. Discover the joys of Crypton, a nearly indestructible, synthetic fabric that's resistant to stains, smells, bacteria and muddy paws.

William Wegman, the artist known for his Weimaraner photos, has designed a line of Crypton fabrics aimed at pet-obsessed style mavens that includes sturdy suedes and twills with names like Polka Dog and Material Dog. It's available in upholstery shops, from many furniture manufacturers and interior designers; you can find it online at www.cryptonfabric.com.

Leather is a good choice, easy to clean and durable. Most grades of leather will suffer only scratches from Fido or Fluffy's claws, but hey, the scratches add patina. If you see a sad irony in buying a sofa made from an animal for your animal, try pleather. It's cruelty-free, relatively inexpensive and has a timeless appeal.

Then there's Ultrasuede, a machine-washable microfiber that feels as smooth and seductive as real suede. "I can't say enough good things about Ultrasuede," Julia Szabo says. She has covered her 1950s Heywood-Wakefield sofa and chairs in Ultrasuede and even had a couple of pet beds made of it. "It's beautiful, and it always stays cool and comfortable no matter the climate. That's important for your and your animal's comfort." Velvet is a definite no-no for a home with pets. Ultrasuede is a stylish and easy-to-maintain alternative.

DO put washable fabrics on your bed.

If your dog or cat sleeps with you there will be accidents. "Cats barf a lot," Julia Szabo says. "Deal with it." Protect your mattress from the inevitable by covering it with a thick pad. Use cotton bedsheets, preferably in a medium color or a pattern that can hide the pet hair and stains between washings. For bedspreads, duvet covers work well because you can take them off and wash them regularly. Delicate-looking matelasse coverlets are surprisingly durable; their tight quilting resists pet toenail snags and repeated washings.

DO skip wall-to-wall carpet.

Carpet absorbs odors, traps pet hair and soaks up inevitable pet-related stains like a sponge. "I try to steer pet owners away from carpet," says Chicago interior designer Nan Ruvel, who designs animal-friendly interiors for clients and lives with three cats. "It's difficult to keep clean. It's a bad idea."

If you must have carpet, she says, choose a low pile. "It's easier to clean if there's an accident." And avoid continuous loop carpet because a pet toenail can unravel it by catching a single woven loop.

DO choose hard surface floors.

Bare floors are the way to go, but bare doesn't have to be boring. Painted concrete is lovely and durable, as are terrazzo and brick. Hardwood floors are simple to mop or vacuum and add a warm glow to a room, but keep in mind that large dogs can scratch wood.

The best floor is ceramic tile, because it's easy to clean and resistant to any stain an animal can dish out. Tile is toenail-proof, it makes a room look sleek and elegant, and it gives furry animals a cool place to nap during hot weather. Porous materials like marble or other natural stones aren't as pet-proof as other hard surfaces, since acids present in pet spit-up can stain them, even if they're sealed, designer Nan Ruvel says.

DO match colors to your pet's fur.

Your pet can be a source of inspiration when choosing colors for your room. Paint a concrete floor the same shade of gray as your cat. Cover your sofa in a honey microfiber that matches your golden retriever. This isn't just an aesthetic shout-out to your pet; it's also a practical choice because the hair they leave behind won't be as visible. "Put a white floor in a house with a black Lab, you're going to have black tumbleweeds everywhere," says Nan Ruvel.

Julia Szabo tells of a New York artist who painted a room in his Manhattan digs a brilliant shade of green inspired by his Amazon parrot. "It reminds the parrot of his ancestral home in the jungle. The wall is gorgeous, and it makes the bird much happier," she says. Painting walls white is a bad idea aesthetically and practically, she says. "Let's face it; a white wall goes gray in a minute around dogs." This forces you to be more creative and daring when choosing colors, Julia says. "Pets present you with the opportunity to really work with color."

DO give your pet tidy, attractive treats and toys.

Dogs adore pig's ears and rawhide bones, but Julia Szabo says they're a bad idea. "They're hideous, they're smelly and they're as bad for your pet as they are for your floor," she says, pointing out they're coated in nitrates and leave greasy stains on floors and furniture.

It's important to give your dog something to chew on, or he might go after a chair leg. Julia suggests rubber toys like the Kong or the Super-Tuff Rhino. For cats, Szabo recommends Everyday Studio's Cat Tree (www.everydaystudio.com), a scratching post/climbing tree combo that hangs on the wall. It's a chic, geometrically shaped concoction of colored metal and cardboard that offers a stylish alternative to homely, carpet-covered scratching posts and plywood climbing trees. "It's like a work of art for your pet; it's beautiful and it's functional," she says. Another option that will allow your cat to get out his inner panther, stylishly: shelves for him to perch on. Julia sells "Tiger Branches," a set of wooden demilune shelves that attach to the wall (www.animalhousestyle.com).

DO set up an animal room near an entry.

"It's important to consider your pet's lifestyle when you establish the layout of your house," Nan Ruvel says. "If your dog goes outside, make sure he can come back in through an area that's super-impervious." She just finished a project in which she converted a breakfast room into a mudroom for a client's two dogs. "She wanted a place where she could get dirt off them before they came in the house," she says. To do this, she put porcelain tile on the walls and floor of the breakfast room, which opened onto the backyard. She replaced the table with a banquette upholstered in stain-resistant fabric and equipped with under-the-seat storage for leashes and food. Nan also installed built-in shelves on the walls where the client could keep towels used to wipe the dirt off the dogs when they came inside from the yard.

Source: http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/dog-gone-stylish/index.html
© 2010 Scripps Networks, LLC

Remove Ticks from Your Pet

Here's a timely article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it helpful! –Kim

How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog, Cat or Yourself

Have you ever tried to remove a tick from your dog, cat, or even yourself? Did you try to remove the tick by grabbing and yanking it off?

Maybe you grabbed a bottle of alcohol and tried to smother it or even burn it to make it turn loose. These methods of tick removal are not effective. They can even do more harm than good.

When you find a tick on your pet or yourself, it does need to be removed as quickly as possible. However, there are correct and safe ways of tick removal without risking further exposure to the tick's saliva, which is often infested with disease.

What are Ticks?

Contrary to popular belief, ticks are not insects. They are disgusting little 8-legged mites who live only to suck the blood of their host. Any warm-blooded creature will do; ticks are not selective.

There are many different types, sizes and colors of ticks, which make it very easy for them to blend in with your pet's fur or your own hair for that matter. Weighing virtually nothing, ticks navigate the body undetected until they attach and begin to feast upon a blood meal. Some ticks, such as the deer tick, are so small you can barely see them until after they have fed and started to swell.

The Do's and Don'ts of Tick Removal

DO:

• Use rubber gloves to avoid direct contact with the tick.
• Use tweezers or a "Tick Key" to gently remove the tick.
• Use all-natural flea and tick control, such as TripleSure Natural Flea and Tick Spray, which will kill the tick on contact without the use of any chemicals or harmful additives.

DON'T:

• Grab the tick bare handed.
• Squeeze the tick's body when removing.
• Twist or wiggle the tick.
• Try to smother the tick with alcohol or Vaseline.
• Attempt to kill the tick using a match or other device for burning.
• Drown your pet in harmful, chemical-based flea and tick-killers.

The Correct and Safe Way to Remove a Tick

Because ticks carry infectious diseases, it is important to have the proper tools handy, prior to attempting to remove a tick. Items you should have include:

• An all-natural tick-killer product
• Rubber gloves
• Fine-tipped tweezers or a "Tick Key"
• Cotton swab
• Alcohol
• Soap and water

With these items at hand, the proper way to remove a tick is:

1. Put on rubber gloves. If you have an all-natural tick-killer product such as TripleSure, spray the tick, which kills it on contact. Do not use a match, Vaseline or alcohol in an attempt to kill the tick.
2. Firmly grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible using fine tipped tweezers or "Tick Key".
3. Pull the tick straight backwards to remove it. Do not use too much pressure or a twisting motion, or you may inject more of the tick's saliva into the bloodstream, which increases the chance of an infection.
4. After you have removed the tick, kill it using alcohol if it is not already dead. Make sure the tick is disposed of in the garbage or by flushing it down the toilet.
5. Clean the site of the bite with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. Then clean it again with soap and water.

Prevention

There are virtually dozens of products on the market to help combat tick infestation. Most of these products, however, are heavily laden with chemicals that easily penetrate your pet's skin, causing potentially serious side effects and health problems. When looking for a reliable yet safe product, be sure to choose one that is all natural and chemical free.

Ticks are carriers of disease. Dogs are highly susceptible to Lyme disease in particular and, without proper treatment, can suffer devastating effects to their overall health, including heart, joint and neurological problems.

Humans can also become infected with Lyme disease and suffer serious and sometimes irreversible effects if left untreated. Although pets do not directly infect humans, the ticks they carry can. By moving from the pet to their human owners, ticks can bite and infect humans with disease. Remember to do regular checks and remove a tick immediately from your pets, as well as yourself, to safeguard against potential illness and allergies, and to avoid unwanted guests.

Source: http://www.natural-wonder-pets.com/remove-a-tick.html
Copyright 2007-2010 Gary Le Mon

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Also, see:

• Is Animal Testing Used in Your Dog or Cat's Flea and Tick Product?
• Is Your Flea & Tick-Killer Safe... Naturally?
  
• The "Tick Key" for Dogs - Just $6.75!

How to Help Pets Suffering From Allergies

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it helpful! –Kim

New Solutions for Pet Allergies
By Dr. Marty Becker, DVM
June 14, 2010

Do you suffer from allergies? You might not be alone: Your pet may be suffering, too.

When pets suffer, they are at least as miserable as we are – and maybe more. Instead of the runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing or wheezing allergies mean to many people, pet allergies typically show up as scratching, chewing, rubbing, head-shaking or diarrhea.

Allergies are common for dogs: According to the pet-health insurance company VPI, the top three medical claims for dogs last year were allergy-related. Cats get off relatively easy on this one, since far fewer cats suffer from allergies than dogs do. In 2009, VPI's most common canine claims were for infections of the outer ear (4.45%), allergic dermatitis (4.22%) and pyoderma, commonly known as "hot spots" (2.72%). For those cats who are allergic, they can show skin reactions, but also respiratory symptoms, vomiting and other digestive problems.

Allergies typically show up within the first 1-3 years of a pet's life, worsen with age and can't be cured, only controlled. Knowing what causes the allergies is an important first step toward treating them, and that means getting your veterinarian's help. Flea bites are the top cause of pet allergies, but food and environmental issues are a problem for many pets. Dust, pollen and spores in the home and yard gather in pets' fur, and the allergens then trigger painful and potentially life-threatening reactions.

Your veterinarian will have suggestions specific to your pet, your region and your season, but in general, you can help your pet a great deal with an allergy-prevention regimen in the home. Dedicated parasite control is first step, and that will mean veterinary-recommended flea-control products along with frequent vacuuming of pet areas and washing of pet bedding.

Concurrently, you can limit the amount of dust and other irritants pets sweep up in their coats by vacuuming and using electrostatic cleaning products (such as Swiffers) on floor surfaces as well as using room or whole house filtration systems. And while you may have heard that frequent shampooing strips the skin of essential oils, veterinary dermatologists now recommend bathing pets at least every week (up to everyday for extremely at-risk, allergic pets) during the spring and summer to help wash allergens off the coat and skin before they can be absorbed and trigger an allergic reaction. Spray-on products or wipes for a dry bath will often do the trick and may be a great deal easier than bathing for some dogs and almost all cats. While regular flea-control, a clean house and frequent bathing may dramatically decrease your pet's allergic response, often more powerful treatments are needed to help a pet ditch the itch. Fortunately, veterinarians have new medication options that may make a world of difference.

You probably know someone who takes shots to manage their own allergy symptoms. Known as immunotherapy, or hyposensitization, these small injections of allergens under the skin can also be effective for most dogs with atopic dermatitis, which is the medical term for what pet owners would call "constantly itchy skin"). Pet owners can administer the injections at home with guidance from their veterinarians. Over time, this treatment may allow a pet to handle natural exposure to the allergens – 75% of pets respond well over time to immunotherapy.

To fight the skin reaction to allergens that triggers scratching and chewing, there's Atopica. This medication calms the cells that trigger the allergic response, rather than treating the symptoms after a reaction. Atopica is considered to be as effective as steroids, but without the potentially dangerous long-term side effects. Ask your veterinarian if this treatment is right for your pet.

In addition, your veterinarian may recommend special air filters for your home. There's even one made just for pets: PetAirapy comes in both room and whole-house models and the manufacturers say their product helps prevent airborne allergens from landing on or being inhaled by pets.

But it's not just about airborne allergens or parasites: Pets suffer from food allergies as well. Allergy reactions to pet food are usually caused by proteins, and can include beef, egg, milk or cheese products, soy or even fish. If food allergies are suspected, your veterinarian will guide you through food-elimination trials to find the culprit, and recommend a diet that's both nutritionally complete and contains pre-digested proteins. If your dog suffers from a food allergy but still needs to take medications, Greenies Pill Pockets Allergy Formula capsules may help. These are little pouches, made from peas and duck that put the treat into treatment, by providing a yummy pocket for a pill.

With modern veterinary options and a world of new products to help, the pet with allergies can be managed better than ever before. And that mean you and your pet will both sleep better, after you've ditched the itch.

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Pets/solutions-pet-allergies/story?id=10909443
Copyright © 2010 ABC News Internet Ventures

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Also, see:

• Slideshow: Skin Problems in Dogs
• Providing Relief from Dust & Allergies

Canine Dental Hygiene

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth
By Dr. Mike, VetVid

How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth
By Peggy Frezon, Rensselaer, New York

Your veterinarian probably tells you to brush your dog's teeth. I know – if you're like me, it's hard enough to remind your kids to brush their teeth. With all we have to fit in a day, brushing a dog's teeth may be the last thing we can tackle on our expanding To-Do list.

But I've learned that dental care is important to a pet's overall health. So I'm making more of an effort to brush Kelly's teeth. And, it really is quick and easy, once you get the hang of it. Here are some simple steps you can follow:

1. Gather your supplies. You'll need a special pet toothpaste. Remember, human toothpastes may upset your dog's stomach. Pet toothpastes come in flavors like chicken, beef, malt and mint. Yum! You'll also need a pet toothbrush. Be sure to select the appropriate size for your pet. You may want to start off with a small rubber brush that fits over the tip of your finger.
   
   
2. Start off slow. Begin by just checking in your dog's mouth. Get him used to having you open his jaws and touch his teeth. Be careful with nippy dogs – you know your pet best. Advance to rubbing his teeth and gums with your finger.
   
   
3. Offer a taste. Put some pet toothpaste on your finger. Let your dog lick it off. She should enjoy the flavor. Experiment until you find the flavor she likes best!
   
   
4. Use a gentle brushing motion. Apply pet toothpaste to the finger brush or a pet toothbrush. Lift your dog's lips and rub the brush gently on the outside of the teeth. Be sure to get the back teeth. You won't need to worry about the inside of the teeth. If your dog balks at the toothbrush, try a square of guaze or washcloth.
   
   
5. Reward! Keep the tooth brushing time short and pleasant. When you're done, reward with a game of fetch or a walk.

Most veterinarians suggest brushing daily. I admit I fall short of this. But if you can try for once or twice a week, that's a good start. Make it a part of your routine, like before bed or the evening walk.

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Peggy Frezon, freelance writer and pet lover, has owned dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, hermit crabs, turtles and fish. Visit here twice monthly to read helpful tips on caring for your pets and check out her blog.

Source: http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth.html

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Tip: You can also try a convenient spray to remove tooth plaque and tarter and maintain gums and teeth.