February 22, 2012

Pumpkin for constipation or diarrhea in dogs and cats

Constipation? Diarrhea? Maybe your veterinarian has suggested that you increase the fiber in your pet’s diet by giving pureed pumpkin to either bulk up the stool or loosen it. Both cats and dogs usually love it, plus it’s inexpensive and a natural, healthy choice.

In either case, you probably went to the grocery store, searched around, and finally found a big can of 100% pure pumpkin—not pie filling—in the baking section. When you got home, you measured out the correct amount and gave it to Tabby or Molly who, hopefully, licked it up eagerly.

Then you might have wondered how long the pumpkin would keep in the refrigerator before it goes bad.

[Read more...]

How to give a cat a pill

Even the most dedicated cat lover may find that “pilling” a cat is trying, at best. A few cats are agreeable, but most of us learn just how sharp a cat’s teeth and claws actually are when we try to give him a pill.

No matter what technique you use, here are some helpful tips:

[Read more...]

Pigs as pets

As you probably know, so-called swine flu is primarily a human disease, and it doesn’t come from eating pork or being around pigs. Unfortunately, though, it looks like pigs might be able to contract the influenza, known in medical communities as H1N1, and local pot bellied pig enthusiasts, like the owners of Ross Mill Farm, are taking precautions.

[Read more...]

Summer safety tips for pets

The heat and humidity of summer can be just as uncomfortable for pets as it is for humans. In fact, summer can be downright dangerous for pets. Following simple precautions at home, on the road, and while on vacation can make summer enjoyable and fun for everyone.

[Read more...]

The dog, the lawn, and the burn spots

Here's my late dog Hans in his outdoor "bathroom."

For lawn lovers who also love dogs, the battle against brown and yellow “burn spots” can be just as daunting as the battle against crab grass.

The burn spots on your grass are caused by nitrogen in your dog’s urine (unless it’s the neighbor’s dog doing the damage, which is a different story altogether). Nitrogen is something your grass needs, and it’s a main component of any lawn fertilizer. But too much isn’t a good thing.

Feces may also do some damage but it should be minimal if you pick up every day or water your lawn frequently.

You have a few choices.

You could forget that you had a nice lawn (or dreamed of one), once upon a time.

You could try various remedies. Lime or gypsum spread around the lawn or just on spots is one popular option. That might work, but skeptics argue that it’s just making the lawn healthier and allowing for a quicker come-back.

[Read more...]

Avoiding ticks

Ticks and Pets: Part Three Just joining us? Start at Part One

With increased awareness of ticks and tick-borne diseases, many dog and puppy owners are rightfully concerned about avoiding ticks. Although no tick preventative is 100% effective, and no chemical preventative is free of health risks, most of them do decrease the number of tick bites a dog receives, and that cuts down on the risk of diseases such as Lyme. Removing a tick as soon as possible also lowers the chances of infection, since most tick-borne diseases take at least several hours to be transmitted.

[Read more...]

How to get rid of fleas

Part Three of Three Just joining us? Start at Part One

Fighting fleas once they’re present can take many approaches. It’s best to start off conservatively, depending on how bad it is. Check with your vet first, though, especially if you have a puppy or a kitten, if your pet is pregnant, if your pet is in poor health or has a flea bite allergy, and if you have young children.

[Read more...]